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Know More About Your Prescription Medication

Drugs or medications are prescribed to alleviate symptoms of medical conditions or, in some cases, to cure them. However, if a drug is not taken according to the directions or if you do not have accurate and complete information about your medication, it can do more harm than good.

Medications are formulated to benefit certain conditions. They contain specific ingredients that have been proven to either provide relief from symptoms or fight the cause of an illness. Many drugs, however, can cause unpleasant side effects, and certain medications should not be taken by some patients or combined with other drugs.

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Know More About Your Prescription Medication

Drugs or medications are prescribed to alleviate symptoms of medical conditions or, in some cases, to cure them. However, if a drug is not taken according to the directions or if you do not have accurate and complete information about your medication, it can do more harm than good.

Medications are formulated to benefit certain conditions. They contain specific ingredients that have been proven to either provide relief from symptoms or fight the cause of an illness. Many drugs, however, can cause unpleasant side effects, and certain medications should not be taken by some patients or combined with other drugs.

It is extremely important to speak to a doctor or pharmacist and read labels and instructions thoroughly before taking any drug.

Before taking a prescription medication:

Consider your medical history. Do you have a history of high or low blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, arrhythmia, kidney disease or liver disease? Certain medications may aggravate these conditions. Be sure your doctor is aware of your medical history before you are prescribed a medication.

Inquire about the ingredients in your prescription to make sure it does not contain an ingredient that you may be allergic to. Inform your physician of any drug allergies you may have.

Check any and all other medications you are taking (both prescription and over-the-counter) to make sure they will not interact with your new medication.

Find out if the drug prescribed is covered by your drug or benefit plan. Prescription drugs can be very expensive if they are not covered by your drug plan. Find out if there is a cheaper generic brand available. Generic brands contain the same ingredients.

Make sure you are clear about how much of the drug you are meant to take and how often you are supposed to take it.

Ask your doctor if there are any foods or products that may interact with your new drug. Some ingredients, such as caffeine, may cause unpleasant side effects when combined with certain medications.

Be aware of the side effects you may experience while taking a prescribed drug. If you experience severe headaches, rash, swelling of the face or extremities, vomiting, chest pain or irregular heartbeat, stop taking the medication and see a physician immediately.

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