Dos and Don’ts for Prescription Medicines

Prescription Medicines – Overview

Prescription medications are drugs prescribed by doctors to treat a specific medical condition or disease. These medications are not available over the counter and must be obtained with a valid prescription from a healthcare provider. Prescription medications are typically more powerful or specialised than over-the-counter medications, and they may have more serious potential side effects. They are designed to be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider to ensure that they are used safely and effectively.

The Many Dos and Don'ts For Prescription Medicines

When taking prescription medicines, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions and the guidelines on the medication's label. Here are some general do's and don'ts for taking prescription medicines:

Dos

Take your medicine just as prescribed by your doctor

This means taking the correct dose at the right time and for the full course of treatment. This is important because taking the wrong dose or not following the prescribed instructions can cause the medicine to be less effective or even harmful.

Following your doctor's instructions ensures your medicine is working properly to treat your condition and prevents drug resistance development, which can make the medicine less effective over time.

Keep your medicine in a safe place

It is important to keep your medicine in a safe place. If your medicine is not stored properly, it may not be effective when needed. For example, if your medicine is supposed to be kept in a cool, dry place and is exposed to heat or moisture, it may lose its strength.

Moreover, storing your medicine safely can prevent children or pets from accidentally consuming it, which can be dangerous.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all the medicines you are taking

Before taking any prescription medications, always inform your doctor and pharmacist about the over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking. This will help them check for potential interactions and ensure that your medicines are safe and effective.

Don'ts

Avoid taking prescription medicines without your doctor's permission

While you may be tempted to stop taking your prescription medications as you start feeling better, your condition may relapse, or symptoms may return if you stop taking them before their prescribed duration. This can also increase the risk of antimicrobial resistance, making the drug less effective in treating your condition.

Avoid mixing prescription medicines with alcohol

Do not mix your medicine with alcohol or other substances without talking to your doctor, as it may increase the risk of side effects and interactions.

Do not skip doses or miss appointments with your doctor

Skipping doses can make your medicine less effective, and missing appointments can prevent your doctor from monitoring your condition and adjusting your treatment as needed.

Do not take expired medicines

Expired medicines may not be safe or effective, so it's important to check the expiration dates on your medications and dispose of any that have passed the expiration date.

Do not take someone else's medicine / Stop drug misuse

Every individual's body is different, and what may be safe for someone else may not be for you. So, taking someone else's medicine can put you at risk of having a serious reaction or side effect. Taking someone else's medicine can also contribute to prescription drug misuse.

It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and the guidelines on your medication's label to ensure that your medicine is safe and effective. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor any questions or concerns.

Key Takeaway

When it comes to prescription medications, you must handle them responsibly and follow your doctor's instructions and guidelines on your medication's label. This includes taking the correct dose at the right time, not stopping your medication without talking to your doctor, and avoiding mixing your medicine with alcohol or other substances.

It is also important to store medicines safely, provide a complete list of your medications to your doctor and pharmacist when required, and avoid skipping doses or compensating for a missed dose. Always check the expiration dates on your medications and dispose of any that are out of date.

If you need more information on your prescription medications, book an appointment with one of the best physicians in India at Gleneagles Global Health City, Perumbakkam, Chennai. Call us at 044 44777000 to book your appointment.