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Your Medicine... Be a Wise Consumer
1. Can I take herbal products along with my
medication?
Ask your pharmacist about taking nonprescription, vitamins or herbal
products with your prescription medication. Some nonprescription
and herbal products can interact with prescription
medication - or with each other.
2. If someone else I know has the same illness,
can I share my medication with that person?
No, medication should never be shared. A prescription
that is right for you may not be right for another person. He/she
may have an allergy or some other condition, or be taking another
medication which would make your prescription inappropriate, or
even dangerous.
3. Should I keep a record of the medications
that I am taking?
It's a good idea to keep a written record of all medications you
are taking, including nonprescription and herbal products. Bring
it with you whenever you go to see your doctor or pharmacist. Better
still, carry a copy of it with you at all times, in case of emergency.
Your pharmacist will also keep a record of the medicines you take
and how you have reacted to them. But remember you have to tell
the pharmacist of all nonprescription or herbal products you take,
since he or she will only know for sure about the prescription medications
you have filled at the pharmacy.
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4. Are there questions
I should always ask my pharmacist about my prescription
medication, no matter what?
Yes. Regular dialogue with your pharmacist is important, even if
you are on a medication for a long period of time. Always talk to
your pharmacist.
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5. Are there questions
I can and should ask my pharmacist when I'm selecting over-the-counter
medication?
Yes. Anytime you are trying to choose medicine, you can ask a pharmacist
for help. Your pharmacist can help you choose which over-the-counter
medication is suitable for you. As with prescription medications,
he or she can explain how to take the medication, for how long,
and its possible side effects. You can also discuss whether you
should be self-treating at all, or whether you need to see your
doctor.
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Your Medicine Cabinet
6. What are some items
that I should have in my medicine cabinet?
Prescription medications that you are taking as well as pain and
fever relief medications. It's a good idea to keep first aid supplies
and a thermometer.
7. How do I store
my medicines safely?
You should keep your medicines in the container that they came in.
The bathroom cabinet is not a good place because it gets warm and
damp. Always keep medicine out of a child's reach, and refrigerate
medication only if says to on the label.
8. How do I get rid
of my medications safely?
You should take all outdated or unused medicines you have cleaned
out to your pharmacy
for safe disposal, including prescription and nonprescription. If
you don't know if a medicine is good, ask your pharmacist. Medicine
should not be flushed down the toilet, it's not friendly to the
environment. Don't throw it in the garbage because children or animals
may be able to get at it.
9. How often should
I clean up my medicine cabinet?
You should get rid of prescription medications that are old or that
you no longer take including cough, cold, pain, first aid, or herbal
products. If medications have changed appearance or taste, do not
take them.
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Choosing Nonprescription Medication
10. How will a pharmacist
know what nonprescription medication is right for me?
Your pharmacist will consider how strong your symptoms are and how
long you have had them and if you have used anything else to treat
the condition. He or she will also consider if you are taking other
medicines and if they would interact with an over-the-counter drug.
11. How do I ensure
that nonprescription medications are taken safely?
It's important to let your pharmacist know if you have a condition
like diabetes or high blood pressure before you take a nonprescription
medication. You should also generally be aware of any foods or alcoholic
drinks or other medicines when taking a nonprescription product.
Note that nonprescription medications should only be used for minor
illnesses. Talk to your pharmacist to make sure you are self-treating
properly.
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Medication Tips for Children
12. How should medication for children be
taken?
It should be taken as it is for adults: with advice from your pharmacist
or doctor.
13. Can my child take someone else's medication?
Make sure your child never takes someone else's medication. Set
a good example by never sharing medications. Teach your child that
they should only take medicine that is given by you or another adult
that they know well.
14. Some medicines
look and taste like candy. Does that mean I can take more of that
medicine?
Medicine should never be described as candy. For example, cough
drops may look like candy, but they are still medicine, so make
sure you and your child use these, and any, medication properly.
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Internet
Pharmacies
15. Can Americans
have their prescriptions filled by Canadian
pharmacists?
Yes. Canadian pharmacists can fill prescriptions that have been
written by a health professional licensed to prescribe in Canada.
Legitimate online
pharmacies require a copy of your original US doctor-written
prescription. A Canadian doctor will co-sign your US prescription
and have it filled in Canada for up to 80% less than in the US.
16. What about
Internet pharmacies?
Online
pharmacy services from reputable pharmacies are a trend that
may benefit consumers and provide innovative opportunities for pharmacies
to serve their patients electronically.
Consumers should be sure that the Internet
pharmacy they choose is a bona fide, fully licensed facility
exercising safe pharmacy practices and is in compliance with federal
and provincial/state laws and regulations.
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