The side effects of medication is caused by unsafe or improper use and is responsible for numerous needless deaths.
Needless deaths and illnesses are caused by the unsafe or improper use of medications. Whenever taking a prescription or over-the-counter medication, an individual should be aware of the possible side effects and reactions that may occur. Healthcare personnel should also be made aware of any pertinent information about medications being currently taken before treatment is permitted. Only then can a wise decision be made concerning which medicines are appropriate. Keeping a card with medical information in a wallet or purse is a good idea for emergencies. Medic alert bracelets are also good for those who may have some type of accident or medical condition where they are not able to speak, such as a diabetic coma or serious seizure. This type of helpful information can mean the difference in receiving proper medical attention and receiving the wrong medical attention.
Below are some of the general rules to follow when using any medication.
Whenever seeking the services of any healthcare personnel such as a physician, dentist or other professional who may prescribe medication, provide the following information:
a. names and dosages of medications currently being taken, including contraceptives, vitamins and over-the-counter medicines; know the generic as well as brand names for medications being used
b. ailments being treated currently or in the past and any past reactions or side-effects to other medications
c. any allergies to medication-present or past
d. whether or not you are pregnant, breastfeeding, using narcotics, drinking alcohol, etc.
Before taking any prescribed medication, know the following:
a. what the exact name of the prescribed drug is (many drugs have more than one brand name) and what effect is to be expected from the drug
b. exactly how to take the drug (with food, before bed, before or after meals, etc.)
c. possible side effects and what to do if adverse effects occur
d. what to do if a dose is missed
e. how long the drug takes to give the desired effect
f. what happens with an overdose (what reactions to the drug are normal and what should be viewed as abnormal)
g. if any types of food should be avoided while taking the drug
h. the exact required dosage
A very important rule to follow is to never take medication that is prescribed for someone else. Also, never take medication that has been kept after the expiration date. Both of these can be extremely dangerous.
Acute drug reactions may occur when drugs are taken while using alcohol, tobacco and narcotics. Always notify healthcare professionals of any situations involving the use of these substances and make healthcare personnel aware of what medicines you have used that day before receiving treatment. If possible, bring along the medicines being used.
When receiving a prescription from your doctor, go over the details of the medication to make sure that there is no misunderstanding. Your pharmacist may also wish to go through some instructions on how the medication is to be taken. Do not skip over this information. The more information you obtain, the less chance there is that you will not take the medicine properly or that you will not receive the proper medicine from the pharmacist. Double checking this way is a worthwhile precautionary measure.
Never assume that all medications for the same ailment should be taken the same way. Many drugs are prescribed for similar problems yet vary greatly in the amount of dosage, side-effects, etc. Never assume anything about new medication. Check each new medicine out thoroughly with the doctor before using and follow directions exactly when taking.
Keep all medications--even mouthwashes--out of the reach of children. Even a light dosage of a drug prescribed for an adult could be fatal to a child. When giving children vitamins or other medicines which may look and taste like candy, be sure that the child is aware that this is medicine and the dangers involved. Even after educating the child to the dangers, keep medicines stored in a safe place and out of the reach of children.
Storing medicines in direct sunlight or in areas of intense heat or cold may alter the effects of the drugs. Unless directed to do so, do not automatically keep medicines refrigerated. Keep drugs and medicines in cool and dry areas so that they maintain their strength and potency.
