More Than Sew So

Going off task again but bringing you some very important information.

I have had the unfortunate experience of having to regularly go to various and sundry doctors and specialists and have had many trips to the hospital. Therefore, I am really careful about keeping my Medicine List updated. I have a cardiologist, pulmonologist, oncologist, neurologist, otorhinolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat guy), ophthalmologist, endocrinologist, rheumatologist and a general practitioner. (Whew, it’s a full time job just keeping track of my physicians, the prescriptions they prescribe, the appointments I need to remember (and keep) and the tests most of them want administered.) All of them give me prescriptions which are quite often changed to another medication or the same medication is either increased or decreased in dosage. Each doctor has to be aware of each of my medications so that they don’t prescribe something that is going to react with another medication. I take a myriad of medicines and sometimes it gets really confusing. I do have a wonderful pharmacist who explains what each prescription is for and what it does and does not do and also explains fully any side effects that I should be aware of. Many doctors do not have or do not take the time to do this. I went to my Pulmonologist last week and upon leaving, was handed the following medical safety bulletin. I thought it was very informative and included several useful tips so I thought I’d share them with you. It’s very long and I apologize for that, but every single instruction is important! If you, or a loved one, have the same issues, please read on.

What I need to know about each medicine I take:

• What is the name of each medicine?

• What is if for?

• What time should I take it?

• How should I take it?

• Should I take it with food?

• What should I do if I miss a dose?

• Are there any side effects? What should I do if I experience any?

• Is it safe to take with other medicine that I am takin, including over-the-counter medicine, vitamins, or herbals?

• What food, drink, or activities should I avoid while taking it?

At Home:

• Take only the medicine given to you by your doctor or pharmacist. Do not share other people’s medicine.

• Each time you take your medicine, read the label to make sure you are taking it the right way. If you have questions, call your doctor or pharmacist.

• Never take medicine in the dark.

• Do not stop taking just because you feel better unless your doctor tells you to stop taking it.

• Do not take your medicine out of one bottle and put it in another.

• Put all your medicine in a place where children and pets cannot reach it.

• Keep your Medicine List updated.

• If you take medicine each day, using a daily medicine box may be helpful.

• Do not keep medicine in the car, by the stove, or in the bathroom, since heat and dampness can affect how it works.

• Check the expiration date of all medicine. Throw away medicine in the date on it has passed.

• If you feel that any medicine is make you sick or causing you pain, call your doctor or pharmacist right away.

In the Hospital:

• When you are admitted to the hospital, take your updated Medicine List, or bring all of your medicines in the original bottles. Include over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbs that you take.

• Tell your doctor or nurse about any allergies or reactions that you have had to medicine in the past. Also, write these on you medicine list.

• If you feel that any medicine is making you sick or causing you pain, tell the doctor or nurse right away.

• When you are being sent home from the hospital, aske your doctor or nurse to clearly tell you what medicines you should be taking, and how to take them. Ask for an update Medicine List before you leave the hospital.

At the Drug Store:

• Take new medicine prescriptions and refills to the same drugstore. The pharmacist then has a list of your medicines. He or she can make sure that all of the medicine works together and will not make you sick.

• If you use more than one drugstore, make sure each one has a list of all of your medicine.

• Ask the pharmacist the name of the medicine and how you should take it. Make sure that this information matches what your doctor told you.

• Make sure than any refill of the medicine is the same color, size, and shape. If there is any difference, ask why.

• If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your pharmacist.

At the Doctor’s Office:

• Always take your Medicine List. This will tell your doctor everything you are taking, including prescriptions medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and herbals.

• Tell your doctor about any allergies or reactions that you have had to medicine in the past.

• Taking an active role in your care can help prevent medicine errors. Keep your own personal Medicine List and keep it in your wallet or purse for easy access. Your Medicine List should look like this example:

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Medicine Name Dose Schedule Reason for Use

Furosemide           40 mg            Twice/Day            Blood Pressure

Calcium               500 mg           Twice/Day             Bones

Aspirin                  81 mg            Daily                     Heart

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What Your Medicine List Should Contain:
Prescription medicines
Over-the-counter medications
Vitamins and herbals
Dietary Supplements
Sample Medications

Please include any skin patches, eye drops, inhalers and creams that you are using. You should also keep an updated list of vaccinations that you have received. You should never be afraid to ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about your medicines.

Your health is too important! Speak up!

Until next time!

Tags: doctor, medications, pharmacist, prescriptions, safety

Filed under: instructions, medical advise, safety