TAKE YOUR MEDICATIONS PROPERLY

I was surprised to know research suggests that half the prescription medications taken in the United States are used improperly. Before you leave your doctor's office or the pharmacy with a new medication, be sure you know how to take/use this medication properly. The above-mentioned research found that many people make the following errors with medications. If you forget to take a pill, do you know what you should do? Should you take the medication when you think of it, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Don't stop a medication without talking to your doctor. Do you ever crush pills if they are hard for you to swallow? Again, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Some medications have a time-release coating or other mechanism to release an active ingredient more slowly. If you crush such medications, you are basically getting the entire dose at one time.

As you can see, not taking medications properly can affect the results of the meds. When your doctor puts you on a new medication, they usually mention any side effects it may cause. You should also ask the proper way to take it.

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BE MEDICATION WISE

In our busy society we often go to the doctor, get a prescription and never ask questions about the new medication. When your doctor gives you a prescription, be wise and ask questions. If you forget to ask the doctor, ask your pharmacist as he or she should be able to answer your questions. Below are a few questions you might need answers to: 

• The name of the medication and is there a generic that will work just as well.
• How, when and for how long should you take it?
• What to do if you miss a dose?
• Will your sleep, appetite or energy be affected?
• Should certain things, such as sun, certain foods, alcohol, caffeine, etc, be avoided?
• Will it interact with any other meds or supplements you are taking?

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