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Being a wise consumer
Why mail order?
For prescription
medicines that you use on a ongoing basis, it can make a lot of sense to
purchase them through the mail. Doing so can save both you and your
employer money, since mail order firms will often waive some co-payments
because it costs your employer less money to provide drugs through mail
order. Using mail order also saves you the time of picking up
prescriptions each month and can ensure that you always have a supply.
Safety starts with you
As a user of
prescription medicines, you need to make sure you are well informed
about the medicines you are taking. Be a smart consumer.
Learn as much as you can about the medications
prescribed to you. Know the dosage amounts you are taking and how often
you should take each prescription.
If the strength
of the medication changes or you are given a new prescription, make sure
your doctor and pharmacist know about every drug (prescription
as well as over-the-counter) you are taking. It's easy to avoid
problems that could result from drug interaction if you talk first with
your pharmacist.
Ask questions
about your prescription. If you have unexpected
reactions after you start taking a new medicine, tell your doctor
or pharmacist right away.
Drug safety tips
One
of the greatest safety risks related to prescription medicines is using
them incorrectly. There are many things you can do to prevent problems.
1. Tell your
doctor and pharmacist what they need to know.
-
Tell your doctor
and pharmacist about any known drug allergies;
-
Tell them about
any other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter
drugs;
-
Tell them about
any nutritional supplements, herbal products, or homeopathic
preparations that you are taking;
-
Know your medical
history.
2. Learn about your medicine.
Make sure your
doctor or pharmacist explains your medications to you. They should tell
you:
-
the name and
strength of the medication;
-
what the
medication is being used for;
-
how often and when
you should take it;
-
common side
effects;
-
serious side
effects - even if they are rare;
-
how to store the
medication;
-
what medicines and
foods to avoid (if any);
-
when you can
expect to feel the effects of the medicine; and,
-
what to do if you
miss a dose or accidentally take more than the prescribed dosage.
3. Take medications according to instructions.
-
Always take
medications as prescribed;
-
Do not change the
dose without checking with your pharmacist or doctor;
-
Do not stop taking
your medication without checking with your pharmacist or doctor; and,
-
Avoid foods and
drugs that interact negatively with your medications.
4. Report adverse affects to your doctor or
pharmacist.
-
Let your doctor
know if you experience unexpected reactions to a medication.
-
Do not take
supplements, over-the-counter medicines or new medicines without
checking if they may react to the medicines you currently take.
5. Store your medications properly.
-
Sunlight and
extreme temperatures can alter the potency of some drugs. Make sure
pills, tablets and capsules are stored in a cool, dry spot out of the
direct sunlight.
-
Liquids and
aerosols should be stored according to the package directions.
6. Keep a list
of your medications with you.
-
Carry a current
list of all the medications you are taking in your purse or wallet.
-
Make a copy for a
family member or friend, in case you are incapacitated.
7. Have a "brown
bag session."
Many pharmacies
hold "brown bag sessions." You can bring all of your medications into
the pharmacy and have the pharmacist review what you are taking. He or
she may notice drug interactions or questionable doses. The pharmacist
may discover that you are taking drugs that you no longer need. If your
doctor agrees and you stop the unneeded drugs, you may avoid side
effects and save money. The pharmacist may also give you advice
about the proper way and time to take your medications. A brown bag
session can be very useful if you have had your prescriptions filled at
more than one pharmacy.
If your pharmacy
doesn't hold brown bag sessions, ask your pharmacist to review your
medications anyway. Also, have your doctor review your drugs on a
regular basis; perhaps during a visit for an annual physical.
More
information
The
Minnesota Pharmacists Association
Web site
has a consumer section with detailed information on prescription
medicine safety.
The American
Association for Retired Persons has the following article on its Web
site: "
How to Be Drug Smart
," AARP Magazine.
The U.S. Food and
Drug Administration has this handout available online: "
Be an Active Member of Your Health Care
Team
"
Safe Internet shopping
Anytime you buy
something on the Internet, you need to be sure you are dealing with a
reputable company. While many online pharmacy sites are legitimate, some
have higher safety standards than others. In fact, some online
"pharmacies" are not licensed pharmacies at all.
State
officials visited the pharmacy listed on this site
and it met the screening criteria and agreed to certain safety
criteria described on this page:
Pharmacy Screening Criteria.
Also, be sure to read
legal information about buying prescription
medications from Canadian pharmacies.
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