Drug safety requires patient involvement. A patient should take certain measures to ensure drug safety. Patients need to fully understand their prescription after discussing it with their doctor and pharmacist. Patients should not be taking medications they have questions about -- for example, "Why am I taking this," or "How do I take it?" Don't be shy about getting the answers you need and having the conversations you need to have.
10 Ways to Ensure Drug Safety
Review Prescription Medications With Your Doctor
Your medication regimen may seem arduous, but it becomes quite routine. It becomes almost too routine -- second nature, habitual, done without thought. It is drilled into patients that being compliant with their treatment plan is important. Taking pills religiously, on time, everyday is expected. At each doctor appointment, have a conversation about your current pill regimen. Certain questions should be asked each time you see your doctor.
10 Things You Should Do When Given a New Prescription
When your doctor hands you a new prescription, it becomes your responsibility to know what the medication is for, how to take it, and what possible side effects might occur. Here are 10 tips for what you should do when given a new prescription that will help ensure your safety and understanding.
Review Prescription Label Directions
Prescription medication labels are confusing to some patients. Have your doctor read the instructions to you. Also ask your pharmacist to read the directions to you when you fill the prescription. Follow these other tips too.
How to Avoid Medication Errors
A few simple, common-sense tasks can help you avoid medication errors and ensure your safety. Here are 15 important tips which ensure drug safety.
How to Safely Dispose of Unused Medications
Proper drug disposal is an emerging environmental issue. As with any household waste, the disposal method chosen can directly effect the safety and health of the environment. Most strive to be responsible. What are your options?
How to Spot Pharmacy Errors
Pharmacy errors may have serious consequences. Many pharmacy errors go unreported because they remain undetected or cause no obvious harm. Potential problems make it imperative for people taking prescription drugs to always check the medication they receive. Though pharmacy errors are unlikely occurrences, they do happen.
How to Reduce the Risks of Using Arthritis Medicines
When it comes to using medicine, there is no such thing as completely safe. All medicines have risks. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of a drug means that the benefits outweigh the known risks that are outlined on the drug's label.
When Are Pain Medications Appropriate for Arthritis Patients?
Some arthritis patients try to do without pain medications (analgesic painkillers) because they fear becoming addicted. Are these patients doing more harm than good by avoiding pain medications?
When Should Arthritis Medicines Not Be Used?
Sometimes arthritis medications are contraindicated, meaning they shouldn't be given to specific patients. Do any contraindications eliminate an arthritis patient from taking a specific drug? What are "absolute" contraindications?
Is Alcohol to Be Avoided Completely?
Should all arthritis patients avoid alcohol or does it only need to be avoided if the patient is taking specific medications? What negative effects can drinking alcohol have on arthritis patients?
