1. Using Medications Wisely Consumer Education Update
Presented by -
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Newport News Leadership Council
2003

2. Objectives of Program:
Learn how to talk to your doctor and pharmacist about their medicines.
Learn questions to ask the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about prescription medicines.
Learn some lifesaving guidelines for medications.
Learn safety precautions with medications.
Learn common mistakes made with medicines.
Learn how to complete a chart to be placed in the home for family members to know medications and other important information

3. Inform Your Doctor and Pharmacist
Names of all medications
The doses of each medicine
If you have ever had problems with a medicine
Communication is critical

4. Ask Questions Your health care team are NOT mind readers
As the consumer you have certain rights and you have certain responsibilities
You need to be in control of your personal health

5. Inform Your Doctor and Pharmacist
Tell them:
the names of all medicines you are taking now, including “over the counter” medicines.
The doses of each medicine.
If you have had problems (allergies or reactions) with a medicine.

6. Everyone is a Player!
Health care professionals are responsible for helping you understand prescription medications.
You are responsible for learning what you need to know about any medication you will take or will give to a family member.

7. Questions, Questions & More Questions
What is the name of this medicine, is there a generic, how will it help me?
How soon can I expect it to work?
Is there another treatment for my problem instead of a medicine?
What will happen if I don’t take this medicine as prescribed?
How do I take this medication--with food or on an empty stomach?

8. How often do I take it (how many times a day) and for how long?
What foods, drinks, or other medicines, or activities should I avoid while taking this medication?
What are the side effects, and what do I do if they occur?
Is a generic equivalent available? (Does it work as well?)
Do you have samples I can take for a trial period?

9. Report Reactions Promptly!!
Call your doctor if you feel worse
Report any new symptoms
If a rash develops, shortness of breath, wait to take the next dose until you talk to your doctor.

10. Mixing Food & Drugs
Some foods, drinks other medications might have an effect on a new medication you take.
Some foods and drinks can make the medicine work too fast or too slowly or even not at all.
Other foods and drugs may cause a life-threatening reaction.
Alcohol can be very dangerous when taken with some medications.

11. Avoid Common Mistakes Ask, ask again.
Get written instructions you can read.
Prevent common mistakes like:
take too much or not enough of the medicine
not taking the medicine for time prescribed
taking too many different medicines that react with each other
not taking the medicine at all

12. Health Lifesavers Take all of your medicines or a list
Report regularly to your doctor the effects
Don’t take any medicine unless you are sure
Assume new symptoms come from medicine
Call your regular doctor if a specialist prescribes a new medication
Follow strict safety precautions
Is the drug in the bottle the drug on label?

13. More Lifesavers…. Don’t buy any package that has been opened
NEVER take anyone else’s prescription medication

14. Keep a LIST of medications and information on them
Take it with you to doctor visits.
There may be times when you are ill and need someone to remind you when to take your medicines.