Understanding Prescription Medication Labels

The instructions for the use are important information for those who want to take it. The survey shows that there are still many patients who, despite having instructions, feel nevertheless more likely insecure than well-informed about the use of this medication. According to health authorities, from 16 000 to 25 000 people in the well-developed country die every year from certain drugs.Understanding Prescription Medication Labels

The contents of the instructions for use

Name of the drug: The note “comp” or “plus” after the name of the drug indicates that the corresponding preparation contains a combination of many substances. The note “mono”, on the contrary, contains only one substance. The notes “forte” and “mite” contain information on the level of the substance, and figures, for example, 200 or 400.

Composition of the drug: it indicates the substance per tablet, capsule, ampoule, dragee, 100 grams of ointment or 100 milliliters of solution.

Other components of the drug: it indicates a list of excipients, the knowledge of which can play an important role for patients reacting to them in the form of an allergy.

Pharmaceutical form: the drugs are released in the forms of tablets, dragees, capsules, ampoules, drops, syrup, ointment, gel and in various other forms and types.

Indication of the drug: indications of diseases in the treatment of which the drug is effective. This list of diseases, of course, is far from complete, therefore, this drug should be used on the doctor’s recommendation.

Contraindications: it is important to pay attention to whether there are indications in this section of specific circumstances or diseases. If there are any on this list, then it is necessary to discuss it with your doctor. The drug use, in this case, should be carried out taking into account the doctor’s instructions.

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Precautionary measures or precautions: there are certain characteristics when using many drugs: for example, the drug contains alcohol, so children and pregnant women cannot take it. This drug can also result in undesirable reactions, therefore, for example, drivers should avoid its use.

Side effects: this large section of the instructions contains possible side effects, but which at the same time most likely to occur with a very low probability. Many of the side effects described in this section are either completely harmless or very rarely observed. So, the drug can cause, for example, often dizziness, which means in fact that in one 100 cases only no more than 9 patients can observe it. Rare side effects mean that they are observed only in one out of 1000 patients. However, those who take this drug should carefully monitor the physical, mental changes in their bodies. All effects (e.g., skin rash, headache, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, fever, fatigue, mood swings, overexcitability, etc.) should be reported to your healthcare provider right away.

Drug Interactions: when 2 drugs mutually affect the human body, doctors talk about the interaction of both drugs. These interactions can affect the body in various ways in which they enhance or weaken the drug effect. This circumstance should be verified precisely. If you are in doubt, consult a pharmacist. Well, the attending physician should inform the patient about taking other medications.

Dosage: in this section, you can read about how, when, where, how much, how often and for how long you can take or use this drug. If the attending physician prescribes a different dosage, then his instructions should be followed.

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Overdose: this section tells what to do when the patient forgot to take the medicine on time or mistakenly took a double dose.

Storage: this section contains instructions on the timing and conditions of preservation of the medicine and the duration of its use. So, eye drops should be used no longer than 4-6 weeks after opening the bottle. Some medications, such as insulin, should be stored in the refrigerator, while others should be protected from light. Medications that have expired cannot be taken at all.

Category: Healthcare | Tags: drugs, healthcare, prescription

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