Use the Index to access all information on this site.
The resources
provided in this section is for your information only. If someone is receiving care from more
than one doctor, each doctor [as well as your pharmacist] should be made aware of all the drugs being
taken.
Information contained on the individual pages of this site is provided
for your reference and convenience only. Inclusion of this information does not imply
any endorsement or personal experience of the product[s] or services being offered.
New
Prescriptions - Before you leave your doctor's office with a new prescription, make sure you fully understand
how to take the drug correctly. Helpful
Form: New Drug Checklist-Q&A's
Side Effects - Do not assume you must tolerate unpleasant side effects of any medication prescribed to you. A change
to another drug may help you and work just as well. Report all side effects to your physician and pharmacist
and let them know which side effects are causing the biggest problem[s] for you. Preferably, people should obtain all their
prescription drugs from the same pharmacy, one that maintains a complete drug profile for each patient. The pharmacist can
then check for the possibility of interactions and alert your physician and you. Useful form: Keeping Track of Side Effects Form
Drug Interactions - Sometimes the presence of two or more drugs in your body can cause changes in a drug's potency. Interactions usually
can be avoided by providing your physician and pharmacist a list of all drugs you are taking, including over-the-counter
medicines and herbals.
Over-The-Counter [OTC] - Just because a drug is available without a prescription does not mean it is safe under every circumstance for every person.
Like all drugs, nonprescription medicines can cause side-effects and/or interact adversely with other medications. OTC labels
must contain the following information about the medicine: name of the product; use(s); the active ingredients and the amount
of medicine in one dosage unit; and dosage and directions for use. Labels also include warnings about drug interactions and
possible side effects; when you should not use a particular product; and the expiration date or date past which the medicine
should not be used.
List of Medications & OTC - Every person should fill out and keep an updated list of medications to provide your health care professionals. Consult your
pharmacist when selecting over-the-counter drugs (for example, laxatives, antacids, and cough or cold remedies), particularly if
you are also taking any prescription medication.
