A lot of people don’t think twice when the pharmacist at the drugstore asks them if they have any questions or need counseling about how to take their medications. They smile, shake their heads, pay for their prescriptions, and go.

But retail pharmacists can be very valuable resources, especially when you’re confused about how to take a particular medication.

For instance, did you know that “take every 12 hours” can mean...

Between 25% and 60% of people who have surgery as part of their breast cancer treatment will also experience a side effect known as post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS). This type of nerve pain develops in the chest wall, armpit, and inner arm.

Sometimes, discomfort caused by PMPS is minor and only considered a nuisance. Other times, it can be a real problem that affects a patient’s whole life.