I do a lot of education in my work - having people understand what their medication does - how it works and what they should do with their medication (beyond actually taking it).
And since this is my blog - I'm going to jump on my soapbox and talk a little about medication today. And hope that you take the time to enact some of these pointers!
1) Antibiotics do not help colds or viruses. Asking your doctor for them will not help you feel better unless you actually have an infection. Antibiotics also need to be taken AS DIRECTED. Which means if they say take it for X days - don't stop because you feel better. You're just asking for the infection to come back if you stop. Also - consider taking probiotics if you are on antibiotics. Many of the hospitals are doing this now to avoid the wonderful side effect of diarrhea!
2) Expired medications should be tossed. Spend the time today to go through your medications and toss the expired ones. Do NOT flush them down the toilet as you are adding those medications into the water supply. Controlled substances should be dropped off at your local police department for disposal. Prescription medication bottles should have your label removed and shredded before you toss the bottle.
Just because the medication is still in the bottle and doesn't 'smell' does not mean that the medication works after the expiration date. This is a perfect time for you to do this as it's the end of the year for your Health Savings Account - even over the counter (OTC) medications can be reimbursed through the end of this year. Next year - this is no longer an option.
3) Take your prescription medications as directed. As my father's doctor had to explain to him (even though I've told him this many times) you do need to take it as directed for it to work. Which means taking it daily if that is your direction! Don't try to double up on a dose because you've missed it unless the bottle says this is okay. You might actually be making yourself sick!!
4) Try to avoid prescription shopping. Having all of your medication through one pharmacy has two benefits - always knowing where your prescriptions are and having any interactions watched by your pharmacist. I've actually lost a friend to an unintended medication interaction. Don't let this be you.
5) If you are on medications or supplements (vitamins, herbal supplements) - have a list with you at all times. This will help if you are at the doctor - or have to go to the hospital. Also note any allergies you may have to medications. Include food allergies or environmental allergies on this list.
And lastly, 6) Do not share prescription medications with others. Remember that your doctor writes a prescription for a certain amount because that's how many you need. If you give them to others - you won't have them for yourself. But also, giving them to others may harm them. You don't know what they are taking and what will interact with their medications.
As with anything, please check with your prescriber if you have any questions on your medications!
TOO TRUE!
ReplyDeleteBefore my heart surgery I was dependent on antibiotics when I had an infection. And becoming resistent was scary to contemplate. Badly used antibiotics can cause resistent strains of bacteria to develop. And then where would we be? Back in the middle ages, that's where...