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Managing Your Medications |
More of us are taking more pills or other medications than ever, and at different times twice a day, three times a day, with food, on an empty stomach etc. Managing these diverse schedules takes discipline and attention.
It begins in the doctor's office. It's important to know the facts about your prescriptions before you leave. What's the name? Is it a brand name or a generic? How much do I take each time? What is it supposed to do for me? What if I miss a dose? Will there be any side effects? Are there any risks?.and more.
In addition to asking these questions it's also important that your doctors know about all the other medications you are taking, an updated list each time you go.
It's most helpful if you can get all your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy. Your pharmacist can then print out a list for you and you can use this when you visit your doctors or you can put together your own list.
When you take your prescription home, there are other things to check. Is the name on the container correct? Are the capsules or pills a different color or form from your last refill, or do they show a variation in color? This may not be a problem if they are simply from a different manufacturer, but it is always appropriate to call your pharmacist to be certain.
Then be sure to follow the directions, even if you need a microscope to read the tiny print on the insert. Chances are that you can get a printout of directions from the pharmacist, one that is large enough to read and shorter than the insert.
And don't stop taking them until your doctor says it's okay to do so.
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