Let's Talk About Prescriptions!

October is Talk About Prescriptions Month, focusing on safe medicine use messages for consumers and healthcare providers.

Did you know that 2 out of every 3 office visits to the doctor end with
a prescription being given? This adds up to over 3.5 billion prescriptions
dispensed from pharmacies each year, which means that if you go to the doctor
this year, you will more than likely be given a prescription. Since it
has become so common to prescribe medication, it is important
to make sure you understand why you’re getting the
medication and what it will do for you.

Your UIC pharmacists are there to help you! You can call them and ask
them questions or ask them in person when picking up your prescriptions.

Here is a list of questions you can ask the pharmacist to better understand your medication and how it will affect you:

•What is this medication and what is it used for? If there is an
addition or change to your usual regimen, ask about the reason for the change.

•How and when do I take this medication? And for how long?

•Do I need to take it on an empty stomach or with food? Can I take this
with my other medications and over-the-counter and herbal supplements?

•What should I do if I miss a dose?

•What does “as needed” mean?

•What side effects can occur from taking this medication?

•How will I know if it’s working?

•How come the name on this medication is different from what the doctor
prescribed?

This happens often. Brand name drugs are commonly seen written on prescriptions, but in the pharmacy they may be dispensed as a generic equivalent.

•How and where should I store this medication?

•May I have written information about my prescription? If you prefer
large print or a language other than English, let the pharmacist know.

•Can I fill out a patient profile form that includes over-the–counter
and herbal medications as well as my prescription medications to keep on
file?

This is a great way to provide all necessary information to ensure
you get the best care.

So now that you have asked all the questions and you have your
prescription, here are some tips for the future:

•Read the label and take the medication exactly as prescribed for the
entire time you are supposed to take it.

•If you take more than one medication, it is important to be organized.
Know what your medications look like, what each one is for, and be able to
tell them apart. Pill containers available at the pharmacy make it much
easier to organize your medications by day and time of administration.

•When you need a refill, it is better to get it while you still have a
few pills left so that way you remain on schedule and don’t miss doses.

•If you have children in your home do not take medications in front of
them and store medications out of their reach and sight.

•If you are traveling ask your doctor or pharmacist to adjust your
schedule to accommodate your change in schedule. Also, carry your
medications with you and do not keep them in checked luggage.

•If you need to buy your medications online, make sure the pharmacy is
state-licensed with licensed pharmacists answering questions and
overseeing the pharmacy. Also, look for a Verified Internet Pharmacy
Practice Site (VIPPS) seal on the website so you know it is accredited.

•If you are required to have blood work or lab tests done while taking your medication make sure you know where you can go and how often the tests should be done.

•Keep notice of expiration dates on your medications.

If they are expired, almost all medicines can be thrown away in the household trash after mixing them with some unpalatable substance (e.g., coffee grounds) and sealing them in a bag or other container. Drug take-back programs for disposal can be another good way to remove unwanted or expired medicines from the home and reduce the chance that someone may accidentally take the medicine.
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For more information on how to use medications safely, these sites can help:

www.talkaboutrx.org/
www.fda.gov
www.bemedwise.org
www.consumermedsafety.com


Written by: Amanda Hodges, Pharm.D. candidate (P3)
University of Illinois, College of Pharmacy