Pharmacy Facts
Managing Your Medications
Drug interaction effects related to incorrect dosage, overuse, foods, and other medications can cause illness and unnecessary hospitalization. There are many things you can do to make sure your medications do for you what they are intended to do -- improve your health and your quality of life.
Talk to your doctor and your pharmacist
During a doctor's visit you may feel that the doctor doesn't have time to talk to you at length about your condition or the medications he or she is prescribing for your condition. However, it is important to your health that you insist on getting all your questions answered about the medications being prescribed for you. It's also a good idea to double-check with your pharmacist when you have prescriptions filled, even if he or she seems too busy to talk. Here are some important questions to ask:
- What is the purpose of this medication, and what does it do?
- How long should I keep taking the medication? Can or should I plan on getting refills of the medication?
- What might happen if I stop taking the medication before the recommended time period?
- What are the possible side effects of the medication?
- What should I avoid while taking the medication (foods, drinks, exercise, etc.)?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- What are the risks associated with the medication, and do the benefits outweigh those risks?
- Will this medication interact with any other medications I am currently taking, including OTC drugs?
- How much does this medication cost, and should I consider a generic form of the drug if offered one by the pharmacist?
Your responsibilities
In addition to asking the physician and the pharmacist about the medications prescribed for you, you should take responsibility for informing the physician and your pharmacist about other medications you take, including OTC medications. And you should keep a record, in writing, of all of the medications you normally take. This record should include the name of the medication, its strength, the dose, directions, purpose, and prescriber. Many organizations offer forms you can use to manage your medication records for no charge. You can receive a brochure from the Food and Drug Administration entitled "My Medicines" by phoning (301) 827-4420 or by visiting their Website: www.fda.gov.
As you take medications, write down any problems you experience. If you have serious side effects or unexplained symptoms, don't wait until your next visit to the doctor to discuss these symptoms. Call the office in order to make sure these symptoms are not a sign of a serious health problem.
When visiting your physician, take your written record of medication with you and review it with your healthcare provider. If you are concerned about taking up too much of your doctor's time, you can review it with the nurse, who will alert the physician to any potential problems.
General advice to the wise
- Never take your medications in the dark. Make sure you can read the label and are taking the correct medication.
- Ask before you crush or split a drug.
- Don't stop taking a medication before the prescribed time period, even if you feel better.
- Discard out-dated medications.
- Don't take other people's medications.
- Store your medications in a cool, dry area that is safe.
- Follow directions carefully and organize your medications so that you can remember when to take them.
- Make sure that your spouse or adult child has a copy of your medication record in case of a health emergency.
