Most Americans take a prescription medication of some kind every day. Whether it is treatment for a chronic condition or a short round of antibiotics, it’s important to follow common safety precautions so your medication provides you with all of the health benefits that it should.
1. OTC Medications Matter
Often times when our doctors are getting our medical history and current medications, we leave out supplements or vitamins. Always remember to tell you doctor about any kind of supplementation you include in your daily routine because even other the counter medication can interfere with prescription medication.
2. Follow the Doctor’s Orders
Make sure to pay attention to any special instructions your doctor gives you while going over your treatment plan. These instructions are usually included on the bottle or vial of your medication as well, but listening to your doctor’s instructions will enable to you get clarification on anything you’re unsure about.
3. Stick to the Recommended Dosage
Unless specifically instructed to, never change the dosage of your medication. This includes taking more than the prescribed amount at a time and taking less. Unless advised to do so, never split your prescription pills in half, crush them, or otherwise tamper with them. Medication is in the form that fits its purpose best; altering this could alter the effects. The prescription strength is calculated based on your weight so make sure to keep your doses consistent and as instructed.
4. Take Your Full Course
If you’re prescribed medication by your doctor, take it for the recommended amount of time. Stopping medication early, especially without prior approval from your doctor, can result in a long-term low-grade infection, reversal of treatment, antibiotic resistance, or other adverse effects.
5. Read All Labels
When filling your prescription, the pharmacist will call your insurance provider to check your coverage. If the medication your doctor prescribed isn’t covered, you may receive a similar medication, or a generic version depending on the circumstance. You should be notified of this switch, but make sure to check just in case. This will also prevent human error.
When taking medication of any kind, following safety precautions will make the experience much easier. However, if you or someone you love experienced negative effects or a bad reaction after being prescribed medication by their doctors, we can help. Call us today for a free consultation.
