Your Health
Four out of five Americans take prescription medications, supplements, and or vitamins on an at least weekly basis. Before leaving the pharmacy, let the pharmacist answer any questions you may have.
Many people in the United States take prescription medications on a daily basis. When people get medications filled, oftentimes your prescription will come with pamphlets or brochures explaining exactly side-effects, interactions, and specific directions regarding your medication. But how many people actually take the time to read this information? How much do you actually know about what you are taking?
Here are 10 little-known facts regarding prescription medications:
Sharing Isn’t Caring
It is never okay to share prescription medications. Just because a family-member or friend may be experiencing the same symptoms as you, doesn't mean that you will have the same reaction to the medication. Many preventable drug overdoses, interactions, and deaths occur each year due to this simple misconception.Related articles
Modifications
It is not okay to cut, chew, or break open capsules at your own discretion. Unless directed by your doctor and/or pharmacist, do not cut, chew, or break capsules. Some prescription drugs have functional coatings that serve as a time-release system; the outer coatings dissolve quickly, while the inner part is released slowly in the stomach over time. Always ask your pharmacist whether altering the state of your medication is advised.Cleaning
Always clean your pill crusher or cutter. When directed to crush or cut pills, make sure you are using a clean pill crusher/cutter. Tiny remnants of previous prescriptions may be lodged in or on the crusher/cutter, causing you to ingest a higher dosage of medication than needed. Additionally, if you are sharing a crusher/cutter with another member of your household, clean it to ensure you are not ingesting trace amounts of the wrong medications.Injections
It is not mandatory to inject prescriptions at a 90 degree angle. In cases where an individual is thin, has less subcutaneous fat, a sharper injection angle may be more comfortable. Ensure you discuss with your doctor exactly with angle of entry is best for your specific body type, area of injection, and prescription.Brand Differences
Generic Medicines are not the same as the Name Brand. While generic brands are FDA mandated to be of the same quality and performance of brand name drugs, they may contain fillers, binders, and other non-medicinal ingredients that differ from brand to generic brands. In thyroid medication and blood thinners, these small items can have extreme effects.OTC Options
You may be able to substitute your prescription for an Over the Counter (OTC) method. For acute illnesses such as a common cold, it may be cheaper and/or easier to use an Over the Counter product versus filling a prescription. Before turning to OTC medication, discuss with your physician and pharmacist.
Planning
Pharmacies are most busy Monday and Tuesday evenings. Most new prescriptions and refills are flooded in after the weekend. You can save yourself a wait in line by heading to the pharmacy later in the week. Pharmacist Expertise
Pharmacists are required to answer your questions. By law, in most states, pharmacists have an obligation to counsel patients and answer each and every question you have.
Accommodation Options
If you have vision problems, you can ask your Pharmacist to print your prescription in larger lettering. Legality
Possessing controlled medications without a written prescription is illegal. If you are prescribed a medication, you must carry your written prescription with you in order to be legal. If found with medication loose in your pocket or purse, you can be charged with intent to distribute, possession of illegal substances, and/or felony drug charges.By ensuring you have all the facts regarding your prescriptions, you can prevent a drug mishap from occurring.
| By Emma Sturgis | Embed |
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