Decoding Prescription Medications
Did you know:
Certain foods can reduce the effectiveness of some medications?
Some medicines can actually lower your body’s absorption of specific nutrients?
Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen) can cause deadly ulcers, stomach problems, kidney issues and liver damage?
Certain herbs and herbal remedies can interfere with the effectiveness of medications?
The generic version of a drug may NOT be exactly the same as a brand name drug?
If your answer to any one of these questions was "no" then read on...
Start with intel from your doctor
Whenever your doctor prescribes a medication, it is beneficial to ask her this series of questions:
• How long have you been prescribing this medication?
• How long has this medication been on the market?
• Have there been any recalls? If so, what for?
• Have any of your patients reported negative side effects from this drug? If so, what were they?
• What other medicine(s) could be prescribed in lieu of this one?
If there are other medicines available for your particular diagnosis, it would be good to know why the doctor feels the medication he prescribed is advantageous over the other(s). Sometimes, it's a matter of pricing. Sometimes, it's simply because the doctor is more familiar with a particular drug. Once you accept a script from your doctor there's one more person that's good to talk to: your pharmacist.
Making the Pharmacist Your Friend
No one you'll come in contact with knows more about the chemical composition of the medicine you’re taking than the pharmacist who fills the prescription. Always have a discussion with your pharmacist about the prescriptions you're taking and don’T hesitate to reevaluate a prescription if you feel you have cause for concern. Oftentimes, a medication can be used to treat several ailments; your doctor has prescribed your medication based on what he knows about your condition and medical history. Still, a good pharmacist will be able to tell you certain things the doctor may not.
Do Your Research
The Internet has made it possible to learn nearly everything about a drug simply by hitting a few key strokes. Use the Internet to research every medication prescribed. While it's good to read information on the drug manufacturer's Website, it's even better to read independent sources. There are a number of websites that will provide extensive information on your condition, the medication you've been prescribed and what other research is available. If after researching a drug you have any questions, reach out to your doctor and pharmacist.
Curing Something Minor with Something Potentially Dangerous
If you ever listen closely to the pharmaceutical commercials on television, you may notice drug manufacturers touting medications that have scary side effects. The commercials begin pleasantly enough, then at the end, the announcer speaks so quickly about the risks and potential side effects, you can barely keep up. Beware of drugs that can seriously harm you while curing something minor. Given the choice between living with a plantar wart and damage to your nervous system for example, the former is certainly more desirable.
About Generic Drugs
Contrary to common belief, the generic version of a drug may NOT be exactly the same as a brand name drug. If your budget permits, it may be best to request the brand-name drug and ask your doctor to write “DAW” (Dispense As Written) on all of your prescriptions. If you have no choice but to accept a generic drug, you could ask your doctor and pharmacist the following:
Is this drug “bioavailable”? Bioavailable means the drug is comparable in its rate of absorption/interaction with other drugs. This is particularly important if you take more than one medication at a time. Some generic drugs may be absorbed faster or slower by your body and interact more or less with other drugs. That could make a substantial difference in the way your body heals.
Is this drug “bioequivalent”? Bioequivalent means the drug is comparable in its physiological effects with the brand-name counterpart.
Many states require pharmacies to offer counseling on the medications they dispense. Always read the inserts that accompany your medication and ask the pharmacist to explain anything you don’t understand. Utilize the Internet to research and learn more.
To get the absolute best health care possible, be proactive. Discuss every medication you're taking at length with your doctor and pharmacist. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know whether you're taking vitamins, herbal supplements and over-the-counter remedies. Cultivate your partnership with the health care professionals that are responsible for your healing. And always take advantage of the resources your pharmacist can provide.
For informational purposes only. No portion of this article is intended to replace the evaluation, care or advice of a health care professional. The author makes no claims or recommendations whatsoever as to any illness, treatment or cure. Read more...
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Tannis Blackman is a certified dance instructor and health enthusiast. She is the author of several books, including The Mystical Seductress Handbook and writes numerous articles for Alight Transmedia.
© 2022 Alight. © 2022 Tannis Blackman.
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