Medication Mistakes- We at On Call Medical Clinic know that sometimes taking and keeping up with Medications can become a problem. Here are some common mistakes you need to avoid when taking medication.
Check for Errors – Almost 2% of all prescriptions are dispensed incorrectly. You may get the wrong drug in the wrong dose in the wrong form. Read the label at the pharmacy counter to make sure it’s the medication your doctor ordered. For a refill, open the container to see if the pills match the ones you’ve been taking.
Get the Best Prices – Gag rules in some states don’t let pharmacists volunteer ways you might save money on your prescriptions. For example, almost 1 out of 4 prescription drugs cost less than your copayment. In that case, it’d be cheaper to buy the medication without using your insurance. Also, ask your pharmacist if it’s safe to lower your costs by switching to a generic or similar drug.
Follow the Directions– Half of the drugs for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and other long-term conditions aren’t taken as directed by doctors. Keep a list of all your prescription and over-the-counter drugs and make it a habit to take them at the same time each day if possible. If you still forget, use a pillbox with the days of the week, and put it on the kitchen counter or somewhere you can’t miss. Or you can download a pill reminder app.
Do Not Overdo Pain Pills– One in 5 people take more than the recommended dose of common non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen. And almost 25% of people mix two or more NSAIDs at a time. That can damage your liver or kidneys, or cause bleeding inside your body. Stick to doses on the label. For kids, base the dosage on their weight, not their age.
Cutting Your Pills– Don’t do this unless your doctor or pharmacist told you to. Some pills should be taken whole because they’re coated to release slowly, to protect your stomach, or to bind two medications together. If it’s OK to split the pills, cut them one at a time as you go so, they won’t break down from heat or humidity. Use a pill cutter, or ask you pharmacist about scored tablets.
Mind Your Moods– More than 200 drugs, including birth control pills, blood pressure medication, and heartburn relievers, have possible side effects that include depression or thoughts of suicide. If you notice such symptoms or feel down for more than a couple of weeks, ask your doctor if one of your drugs might be the culprit. Sometimes you might be able to lower your dose or try a different class of medication.
Medication Checkups- If you take any prescription or over-the-counter drugs or supplements regularly, go over your lineup every year with your doctor or pharmacist. You may no longer need to take some of them, or they might not mix well with your other medications. This is especially true if you’re older and are on several different medicines.
Foods and Medications- Some medicines work better or faster in an empty stomach. Others are best taken with meals. Also, some foods and drugs can make for bad or dangerous combinations. These include dairy products with some antibiotics, certain cholesterol-lowering medications and grapefruit juice, and green leafy veggies and other vitamin K-rich foods with the blood thinner warfarin. Ask your pharmacist for guidance.
Medications and Alcohol– You know not to drink and drive. But you may not know that taking certain drugs with alcohol can mean trouble. Sleeping pills, cold remedies, and other medicines that get you drowsy might make you even more so when mixed with drinks. Alcohol also can interact with some ingredients in medications and damage your liver. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist about what’s safe.
These are just some of the medication concerns you may have. We have obtained this information from the WebMD website. Please remember when you have a minor illness or accident, we at On Call Medical Clinic are here for you. Please call us at 228 818-5155 if we can help. Our Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff is waiting you call. Please visit our website at https://www.oncallclinic.com to learn mor about us and all the services we offer.https://www.oncallclinic.com
