monicapink
01-05-03, 10:42 PM
This is an article I found in my local newspaper that I found to be very interesting ...... I hope you will find it informative and thought provoking. (the excepts were taken from WHAT IS IN YOUR MEDICINE CABINET? by Tedd Mitchell, M.D.
IN YOUR HOUSE Look in your medicine cabinet; chances are you will find out-of-date prescriptions, partially used prescriptions and an assortment of over the counter remedies. At best cluttered medicine cabinets are confusing AT WORST they are dangerous.
Get rid of any expired drug and any drug that is no longer used for a specific treatment. Elderly people and anyone with children in the house SHOULD PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO "EXTRA" MEDICINES because they pose potential dangers of poisoning.
WITH YOUR DOCTOR When you see your doctor again, give him a list of EVERYTHING you put in your mouth that is not a food or beverage.
Vitamins, minerals, herbal remedies and over the counter medications all can interact with prescription medications. Don't forget to tell your doctor about drug allergies and particular medications that have made you sick in the past.
When the doctor writes you a prescription make sure you UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING ABOUT IT. Make sure YOU CAN READ THE PRESCRIPTION.
WITH YOUR PHARMACY Look at the label, the name of the drug, the quantity AND THE DIRECTIONS FOR TAKING IT ... this should all fit with what the doctor has told you.
Sometimes the physician has written the prescription using the trade name but has allowed the pharmacy to fill it with the generic form of the drug -- in many cases this can save you money and doesn't compromise the quality of the medication. BUT IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS -- ASK QUESTIONS IMMEDIATELY
Pharmacists are a great resource; they can reinforce information and help clarify things. KEEP THEIR WRITTEN INFORMATION ON SIDE EFFECTS IN A SAFE PLACE AS LONG AS YOU TAKE THE MEDICATION.
REMEMBER: When it comes to the medicines you take, THE MORE KNOWLEDGE YOU HAVE, THE LESS LIKELY YOU ARE TO MAKE A MISTAKE.
IN YOUR HOUSE Look in your medicine cabinet; chances are you will find out-of-date prescriptions, partially used prescriptions and an assortment of over the counter remedies. At best cluttered medicine cabinets are confusing AT WORST they are dangerous.
Get rid of any expired drug and any drug that is no longer used for a specific treatment. Elderly people and anyone with children in the house SHOULD PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO "EXTRA" MEDICINES because they pose potential dangers of poisoning.
WITH YOUR DOCTOR When you see your doctor again, give him a list of EVERYTHING you put in your mouth that is not a food or beverage.
Vitamins, minerals, herbal remedies and over the counter medications all can interact with prescription medications. Don't forget to tell your doctor about drug allergies and particular medications that have made you sick in the past.
When the doctor writes you a prescription make sure you UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING ABOUT IT. Make sure YOU CAN READ THE PRESCRIPTION.
WITH YOUR PHARMACY Look at the label, the name of the drug, the quantity AND THE DIRECTIONS FOR TAKING IT ... this should all fit with what the doctor has told you.
Sometimes the physician has written the prescription using the trade name but has allowed the pharmacy to fill it with the generic form of the drug -- in many cases this can save you money and doesn't compromise the quality of the medication. BUT IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS -- ASK QUESTIONS IMMEDIATELY
Pharmacists are a great resource; they can reinforce information and help clarify things. KEEP THEIR WRITTEN INFORMATION ON SIDE EFFECTS IN A SAFE PLACE AS LONG AS YOU TAKE THE MEDICATION.
REMEMBER: When it comes to the medicines you take, THE MORE KNOWLEDGE YOU HAVE, THE LESS LIKELY YOU ARE TO MAKE A MISTAKE.