1. Using Medicines Safely (2:50)
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2. Medicines are only safe if they are used for the intended purpose and according to the directions on the label.

3. prescription medicines
over-the-counter (OTC) medicines
medicine misuse
medicine abuse
drug overdose

4. Standards for Medicines
Medicines are regulated to make them safe.
All new medicines in the United States must meet standards set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

5. Standards for Medicines
Drug manufacturers test new medicines according to FDA guidelines.
That includes completing at least three clinical trials in which the drug is tested on human volunteers.

6. Standards for Medicines
Sometimes, if a drug hasn’t yet completed clinical trials but is thought to be effective, people with life-threatening illnesses are allowed to use the drug.
This usage is referred to as experimental.

7. Standards for Medicines
The FDA does not regulate herbal and dietary supplements.
Even supplements made from natural compounds can have harmful side effects or interactions.

8. Prescription Medicines
A licensed pharmacist dispenses prescription medicines.
Prescription medicines
Medicines that are dispensed only with the written approval of a licensed physician or nurse-practitioner

9. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines
The FDA considers over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to be safe if they are used as the label directs.
over-the-counter (OTC) medicines
Medicines you can buy without a doctor’s prescription

10. Medicine Labels Active Ingredient
Ingredient that treats condition, including amount per unit
Substances added to the product that do not help treat the condition, such as flavor and color
Inactive Ingredients
Uses
Conditions or symptoms treated by the product
Expiration Date
The date you should no longer use the medicine
Product category and what the product is supposed to do, such as antacid
Purpose
Side effects, interactions, when to talk to a doctor, when not to take the product, keep out of reach of children
Warnings
Other Information and Directions
Other information may be printed on the opposite side of the label

11. Medicine Labels Special instructions for taking the medicine
Prescription medicine labels also include this information.
Special instructions for taking the medicine
The prescribing doctor’s name
The patient’s name
The pharmacy’s name and address
The date the prescription was filled
The prescription number
Whether refills are allowed

12. Medicine Labels
This is an example of a medicine label for an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine.

13. Medicine Misuse
Taking medicines unnecessarily or without following the label instructions is dangerous.
Medicine misuse can prevent the user from getting the full benefit of the medicine.

14. Medicine misuse can have serious health consequences.
Using a medicine in ways other than the intended use

15. Examples of Medicine Misuse
Failing to follow the instructions on or in the package
Giving a prescription medicine to a person for whom it was not prescribed, or taking another person’s medicine
Taking too much or too little of a medicine
Taking a medicine for a longer or shorter period than prescribed or recommended
Discontinuing use of a medicine without informing your health care provider
Mixing medicines without the knowledge or approval of your health care provider

16. Medicine abuse is dangerous and illegal.
Intentionally taking medications for non-medical reasons

17. Medicine Abuse Don’t use drugs to lose weight.
Don’t use drugs to stay awake while studying.
Don’t use drugs to fit in with peers.

18. One danger of medicine misuse is drug overdose.
Medicine Abuse
One danger of medicine misuse is drug overdose.
Drug overdose
A strong, sometimes fatal reaction to taking a large amount of a drug

19. After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary
How do prescription medicines differ from OTC medicines?
Prescription medicines are dispensed only with the approval of a licensed physician or nurse practitioner. An OTC can be bought without a prescription.

20. After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary
List four pieces of information that must be on an OTC medicine label. Describe the purpose of each piece of information.
Sample answers: Active ingredient, uses, directions, and warnings

21. After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary
What is medicine misuse? How does it differ from medicine abuse?
Using a medicine in ways other than the intended use is medicine misuse; medicine abuse is taking medication for nonmedical reasons.