ABC's for YOUR HEALTH                  

 

ABC's for YOUR HEALTH  Topics:

Medications

Medicare

Common Diseases

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ADVOCATE for your health                            ASK your health care providers
BECOME a part of your health care team   BE informed about your diseases and medications
COMMIT to being healthy                       CHANGE your lifestyle
 

Medication Information & Resources

bullet
Medication and Your Pharmacist*
    
     Adapted from ElderCare Patient Education Series, a publication of the Peter Lamy Center
    for Drug Therapy and Aging, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy.  Developed in part by
    Nicole Brandt, PharmD, CGP, BCPP, Assistant Professor, Director of Clinical and Educational Programs.
 
bullet Questions to Ask Your Pharmacist1,2
bullet What is the name of my medicine (brand and generic name)?
bullet Can I use the generic medication?  Is it the same as brand?
bullet What is this medicine used for?  How does it work in my body?
bullet Does this medicine replace any other medicines I have been taking?
bullet How can I expect to feel when I start taking this medicine?
bullet How long will it take to work?  How will I know that it is working?
bullet How long will I have to take it?  Can I stop taking it when I feel better?
bullet What are special instructions/precautions for taking this medicine?
bullet When should I take this medicine (with meals or liquids)?
bullet When is it best to take this medicine (with or without meals)?
bullet What should I do if I miss a dose?
bullet Can I take this medicine with my other medicines, including OTC and herbal products?
bullet Should I avoid any dietary supplements, drinks, foods, or activities?
bullet How and where do I store this medicine?
bullet Can this medicine be refilled?  If so, how often?
bullet What common side effects can I expect from this medicine?
bullet What can I do to prevent the side effects?
bullet What other medicines or therapies could be used to treat this condition? 
bullet How do the benefits and risks compare?

                                                                                                                       

bullet Information to Tell Your Pharmacist1,2               
bullet All medicines, including prescription and OTC, that you are taking
bullet Allergies to medicines or foods
bullet Difficulty reading labels (Ask for directions in large print)
bullet Difficulty opening bottles (Ask for an easy open cap)
bullet Difficulty handling medicines: eye drops, insulin injections (Ask for instructions)
bullet Difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules (Ask before breaking/crushing/opening)
bullet Difficulty remembering to take medicines (Ask for pill boxes or other aids)
bullet Your new phone number and address if you have moved
bullet Your insurance card/plan or any change

 
bullet Medications Record

                           

Name & Strength Directions for Use Indication Prescriber's Name Comments
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         

 

bullet Medication Information*
bullet Be MedWise3
bullet For Medicine Users4
bullet Consumer Drug Information5
bullet Over-the-Counter Drug Information6

 

bullet Medication Errors Prevention*
bullet How to Prevent Medication Errors?7

 

bullet Medication Administration Technique*
bullet Medication Administration Technique8

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 *Disclaimer: The information and resources on this website are only intended to be used for your general knowledge and as a supplement to the advice of your pharmacist and/or other health care providers.  This website should not replace the most current recommendation or professional and clinical judgment of your pharmacist and/or other health care providers.

References
  1. ElderCare Patient Education Series: did you Remember to ask? The consumer's quick reference to using medicines.  Baltimore, Md.: The Peter Lamy Center for Drug Therapy and Aging, 2000.
  2. My Medicines.  Rockville, Md.: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.  Food and Drug Administration.
  3. Be MedWise.  http://www.bemedwise.org.  (Accessed 2005 Dec 11).
  4. National Council on Patient Information and Education.  http://www.talkaboutrx.org/med_users_tools.jsp.  (Accessed 2005 Dec 11).
  5. Index to Drug-Specific Information.  http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/DrugSafety/DrugIndex.htm.  (Accessed 2005 Dec 10).
  6. Nonprescription Products.  http://www.fda.gov/cder/Offices/OTC/default.htm.  (Accessed 2005 Dec 10).
  7. Institute for Safe Medication Practices Patient Safety Brochure: How to Prevent Medication Errors?  http://www.ismp.org/Pages/psb.htm.  (Accessed 2005 Dec 10).
  8. Medication Administration. http://myphlip.pearsoncmg.com/altproducts/drugguide/ab2chapter.cfm?vbcid=6645.  (Accessed 2005 Dec 10).

 

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Updated:  7/14/2006
Created: 12/12/2005                                                                                                                  Counter
 
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