Do you wear contact lenses? Some prescription medications can cause problems for those who wear them. If this is a possible side effect of the meds you've been prescribed, consider switching to glasses for the length of the treatment.
Do you have any expired medications in your medicine chest? They need to be disposed of, but not in the trash or flushed or washed down a drain. Call your pharmacist for disposal instructions.
If you take vitamins and supplements, be sure to let your doctor know. There are many prescription medications with which they are not compatible.
Never share your prescription medicines with your child, even if you have the same illness. Prescription drugs are formulated specifically for each individual, and taking someone else's medications can have life-threatening consequences.
If you are taking over-the-counter analgesics on a daily basis for pain, you need to see a doctor. These are meant for occasional use. If your pain has not gone away after two or three days, you need to find out what's wrong and have a proper prescription written.
Do not be so quick to reach for any leftover antibiotics if your doctor hasn't prescribed. There are some inherent risks with them, and they should only be taken with medical supervision.
It is a good idea to keep a list of any prescription medications you're taking in your wallet or purse. This way, if something happens to you, those who are attending to you won't inadvertently administer the wrong medication.
For some prescription drugs, certain foods cannot be eaten. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if there are any dietary restrictions and adjust what you eat prior to starting the dosage.
Compounded medications are specialty products. Unlike mass produced drugs, these prescription drugs are made expressly for a patient in order to meet his or her medical needs.
Want to save money on your prescriptions? Ask you doctor if it is OK to substitute the generic version of a drug for its name brand (if one is available). They are the same product and equally effective.
Part D is the prescription drug coverage portion of Medicare and is offered through private insurance agencies that have been approved by the Medicare system.
Do you have Medicare? Take a few minutes to review your coverage so you understand everything about your prescription drug coverage. If you have questions, call your provider.
Antiviral drugs for treating the flu are not a panacea; they are a secondary response to the illness. The best preventative is the flu vaccine, which should be administered as close to the beginning of the flu season as possible for best protection.
Antibiotics are prescribed to treat bacterial infections, and are ineffective against viruses. If you're ill, consult with your doctor about the best course of action. Don't self-medicate.
Pay attention to the storage requirements on your prescription medication. Improper storage can diminish their effectiveness or, in the case of meds that must be refrigerated, cause them to spoil and become a health risk.
Even if you are healthy but eligible for Medicare coverage, you can qualify for Medicare assistance to help pay for medications and drugs prescribed by your doctor in the event your fall ill.
Under no circumstances should you give your children doses of adult medications. If your child is ill, call his or her pediatrician for guidance. If needed, the doctor will prescribe something specifically for your child.
Be sure to provide a complete medical history to your doctor, including any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are already taking in order to avoid prescribing additional medicines that may be in conflict.
Using a pill reminder box or a daily medicine chart is a great way to keep track of multiple medications, schedules, and dosages. This will help you follow the full course of drug treatment without any gap or interruption.
Prescription drugs should always be taken as scheduled by your doctor. If there are a handful of medicines, take a medication sorter to keep all your medicines organized.
You should never move your prescription medications from their original containers, as these containers contain vital information about the medication. Also, keeping the medicine in the same container will make sure that others do not take your medication by mistake.
Penicillin, a group of antibiotics originally derived from common molds, was discovered by a Scottish Scientist Alexander Fleming in 1928. However, it was only in 1942 that physicians started using it to treat bacterial infections.
“The aim of medicine is to prevent disease and prolong life, the ideal of medicine is to eliminate the need of a physician.” – William James Mayo
The educational material that comes with the medication will give you specific instructions on how to store your medication. But, generally, prescription medications are best stored in a cool, dry place, away from children.
