Tag Archive for: Medication

Medication Shape, Size, and Color – What Does it Mean?

Medication Shape, Size, and Color – What Does it Mean?

When you pick up your medication from NOAH’s Pharmacy or elsewhere, you might notice that it comes in different shapes, sizes, or colors. Have you ever wondered why? These differences aren’t just for looks—they can actually play an important role in how your medication works or how easy it is for you to take. Let’s break it down:

Shape

The shape of a pill or tablet can affect how quickly it dissolves in your body. Some medications are round, oval, or even oblong. These shapes can be designed to help the pill break down faster or slower, depending on how the medicine needs to be absorbed. For example, a smaller, round pill might dissolve quicker than a larger, oblong one.

Size

The size of your medication matters too. Larger pills often contain more of the active ingredient, meaning they deliver a higher dose. However, bigger pills can sometimes be harder to swallow, so they may be designed to be taken with water or split in half if your doctor advises it.

Color

Color can be one of the easiest ways to identify your medication. Different colors help patients recognize their medications more easily and avoid mistakes. For example, you might take a blue pill in the morning and a white pill at night. This makes it less likely to mix them up. Sometimes, color is used to represent different strengths of the same medication.

Why Should You Care?

The shape, size, and color of your medication can impact how you take it and how well it works. Understanding these details can help you stay on top of your medication routine. If your pill ever looks different from what you’re used to, sometimes the answer is as simple as a different manufacturer, but it’s always a good idea to ask your pharmacist if anything has changed.

Learn more about NOAH’s Pharmacy services or request an appointment online. Remember, your NOAH healthcare team is here to help, if you have questions, feel free to reach out to your provider via MyChart or by calling 480-882-4545.

Prescription Pick-up Now Available at All Locations

NOAH’s Cholla Pharmacy now offers next day courier services to all NOAH Health Center locations.

To make sure you get your medications accurately and on time, here’s what you need to do:

For New Medications:

  • Let your provider or medical assistant know that you want NOAH’s Cholla Pharmacy to be your preferred pharmacy.
  • If you choose Cholla Health Center for pick-up:
    • Your medication will likely be ready for pick-up right away. The pharmacy is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. for lunch.
  • If you choose any other NOAH location for pick-up:
    • Your provider or medical assistant will request your medications be couriered to your selected NOAH location. Prescriptions ordered before 3 p.m. will be available for pick-up the following day. Medication can be picked up anytime during regular clinic operating hours (hours vary by location).
  • Please note that some medications may be out of stock or require a special order. NOAH’s Pharmacy will let you know if your medication will not be ready within the typical time frame.
  • Courier service is also not available for controlled substances.
  • If you want to check the status of your order, you can call the pharmacy at 480-903-3560.

For Existing Prescriptions:

If you already have prescriptions filled elsewhere, you can easily transfer them to NOAH’s Pharmacy by calling your provider. NOAH providers can be reached via MyChart or by calling 480-882-4545.

NOAH’s full-service pharmacy located at NOAH’s Cholla Health Center is open to anyone including NOAH patients and community members. For more information, you can reach our pharmacy at 480-903-3560.