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Did you know that taking your medications properly is one of the best ways to avoid future health care costs? Each year, thousands of people end up in the hospital, fail to get better, and spend more money than they have to simply because they do not take their medication properly.
Pharmacists can educate you about your medications, both prescription and nonprescription. The American Pharmacists Association, the national professional society of pharmacists, says that every person should be able to answer these questions before taking any new medication.
What is the name of the medication and what is it supposed to do?
When and how do I take it?
How long should I take it?
Does this medication contain anything that can cause an allergic reaction?
Should I avoid alcohol, any other medicines, foods, and/or activities?
Should I expect any side effects?
What if I forget to take my medication?
Is it safe to become pregnant or to breast-feed while taking this medication?
Is there a generic version of the medication that my doctor has prescribed?
How should I store my medications?
Pharmacists also suggest the following guidelines to prevent medicine mix-ups:
· Be sure that your name is on every container of medication. If the medicine is for a child, be sure that the child's name is on the label.
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· Never take a medication out of its original container to store it.
· Highlight the patient's name, the medication name, and the expiration date (if any) with a marker so they can be easily seen. Use a different color marker for each member of the family.
· Read the entire label every time you take medication yourself or give it to a family member.
· If you have stopped taking a particular medicine but have some left, check with your pharmacist or physician. Many medications should be taken until they are all gone, and having leftovers could indicate that the medication was not taken properly.
· Properly dispose of any medicine that has not been used in six months.
· Do not share medicines. Medication should be taken only by the patient for whom it was prescribed.
· Keep a permanent, updated list of all medications taken by each family member as part of your family's history. Include both prescription and nonprescription medicines.
Knowing your medicine and knowing your pharmacist will help ensure you get the most out of your drug therapy. October is American Pharmacist Month, but never hesitate to ask your pharmacist questions or discuss concerns.
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