The largest share of pharmacists work in community pharmacies located in drug stores or other retail stores. Their main responsibilities are to receive, interpret and dispense a physician's prescription. They also provide non-prescription drugs. At the same time, they must educate patients on the type of drugs prescribed and answer any questions patients may have. With the extensive use of computers, pharmacists keep records of patients' drug therapies to ensure that harmful drug interactions are prevented.
Pharmacists are also responsible for the proper and safe storage of drugs.
Some drugs, such as controlled narcotics, are regulated and may be dispensed only under strict conditions defined by law. Pharmacists must keep learning about new developments in technology and medication. Many of Canada's community pharmacies are in chain stores. Some are in discount stores or supermarkets. Others are independently owned and operated by one or more pharmacists, although the independent share has declined over the past 10 years.