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Prescription Medications - the Right Approach
There are many deaths each year from prescription drugs. People die from overdose, drugs interacting together in a bad way, taking improper medication and numerous other reasons. Many of these deaths could have been avoided and it is up to you to take adequate precautions. Here are just a few suggestions it is advisable to follow to ensure you don't become just another statistic.
- Double check your prescription.
With using the Internet, it is easy to find some information about virtually any drug your doctor has prescribed. If you have any question as to why it was prescribed to you, don't be afraid to ask your Doctor. We've all seen examples of a doctor's bad handwriting; it is easily misinterpreted by a pharmacist. Before picking up your prescription, make certain you know what your doctor has prescribed and compare your notes with what you actually receive.
- Make certain the drugs you now take do not interact badly with the new drug.
If you get all your prescriptions at the same pharmacy, the new top-of-the-range software they use should alert the pharmacist if there is a potential problem. Find out if your pharmacy is using this software and if they do not, you should try to find another pharmacy that does use it. If you use different pharmacies for your prescriptions, make absolutely certain the pharmacist has a record in their computer showing what drugs you now take.
- Make certain you know about any side effects of your new medicine.
Most doctors will be only too happy to discuss these with you. They should make you aware of this but, if he or she does not, then ask. Check with your pharmacist as well, it doesn't harm to double check these things.
- If you take nonprescription drugs along with your regular prescription, make your pharmacist aware of what you are taking. Make certain these drugs do not interfere with your prescribed medications.
- Store your prescriptions properly.
Drugs can become degraded with heat and humidity. If your medications require refrigeration, make certain you refrigerate them. If they do not, find a cool and dry area to store them.
- Never use a prescription medication that has not been prescribed to you.
That sounds like common sense but, unfortunately, far too many times people take a drug their neighbor or friend or family gives them because they claim it works for them. That may be the case but it may not work for you and may dangerously interfere with your current medications. This is vitally important!
- Follow your doctor's advice to the letter.
Do not, under any circumstance, take additional doses on your own. Never stop taking these prescribed medications unless your doctor tells you to stop. If you miss a dose, call your doctor. They will tell you the proper steps to follow. He or she may want you to double up on your medication or, they may tell you to simply take your next scheduled dosage. Let them make that decision, that's their job.
Prescriptions can be life saving. Do not make them life threatening. Ultimately you are in control of your life so take this seriously. It may save your life.
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