Recently, we got to know the importance of not sharing our prescribed medications. But perhaps you had some questions. Questions like; What do you do with leftover medications? Or how should you take your prescription medications? Or who do you ask when you have questions about your medication? We hope to answer these questions and more in this article.
First things first, a prescribed medication is one that was prescribed for you by a qualified health professional. This may be a medical doctor, dentist, optometrist or even a veterinarian (for your pets or livestock). This medication is prescribed based on your current condition and symptoms. It is specific to you.
The usual information to find on a prescription are the dosage form, name, strength, frequency of administration and duration of use of the medication. It may typically look like this: Tab Ciprofloxacin 500mg 12 hourly × 7 days.
The dosage form here is Tab(tablet), the name is Ciprofloxacin, the strength is 500mg, the frequency of administration is 12 hourly (every 12 hours) and the duration of use is 7 days.
All these details must be given on the prescription because the same medication could be given for a different duration, different strength, and different frequency of administration for another person.
How do you take your prescribed medication?
Exactly as prescribed.
This is why it is imperative you know and understand the information on the prescription given to you. We understand that the prescription is not usually written in a form that is easily understood by the general population. This is where your pharmacist comes in. Your pharmacist has been trained to read and interpret prescriptions, determine if there are any interactions, and ensure that the right medication has been prescribed in the right dosage form, according to the right frequency of administration and right duration of use.
In summary, the pharmacist ensures all the information provided on your prescription is accurate and serves you accordingly. Your part is to listen to the pharmacist with rapt attention and make sure you understand whatever he/she says. Then follow the instructions accordingly.
Who do you ask when you have questions about your medication?
Your pharmacist or doctor. Maybe a friend has introduced you to a herbal medication and you want to find out whether you can take it together with your medication. Or you have started experiencing some side effects of your medication. Perhaps the way you were told to take your medication does not suit your daily routine. Or you've been taking the medication for some time now yet you don't see any improvement. Or you've started seeing improvement so you're wondering if you can stop. The list is endless.
Because your doctor or pharmacist has in-depth knowledge about your condition as well as the medications prescribed, they are the best people to go to.
Going to the internet for answers to these questions is risky. Also, there is the danger of misunderstanding what you find on the internet.
So dear reader before you make any changes to your prescription, please consult your pharmacist or medical doctor.
What do you do with leftover medication?
One of the reasons a duration is given is to inform the pharmacist on exactly how many tablets or bottles to give you.
Having leftovers could be because of an uncompleted regimen. Should you have leftovers, the first thing to do should be consult your healthcare provider about your regimen.
Please don’t save it for another person. We understand that you paid a lot of money for that medication, but please do not save them for later at your own discretion: always consult a professional.
Remember to stay healthy and be antibiotic smart!
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