Precautions When Taking Prescriptions
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009Drugs and over the counter remedies can provide relief or treatment for many health conditions. However, they are not without risks. Mixing incompatible medications or taking too much of a drug can cause negative reactions or health problems. Consequences of improperly mixing drugs or overdosing include stomach problems, diarrhea, blurred vision, skin rashes, or the need for emergency medical attention. Such problems can occur both with prescription and over the counter medications and the larger the number of drugs that a patient uses, the greater the risk of an adverse interaction.
The best way to avoid such complications is to take a few basic precautionary steps. Patients should keep track of when and how much medication they take, and whether they experience any side effects. Consulting with a doctor or pharmacist about combining medications and possible side effects is also important. Additionally, it is important to read drug labels and warnings carefully to determine if they might cause a negative reaction. Finally, patients should carefully read prescription labels to make sure that they have received the correct medication.
Some people who take several different medications find it difficult to remember which drugs to take and when. Timers and pill organizers often help with this problem. There are also reminder services, which will call or send an e-mail to prompt patients to take their medications.
Patients should consult with a doctor before using medications or over the counter heath products in conjunction with prescription drugs. If you or a loved one has been injured by prescription drug negligence or medical malpractice, contact a medical malpractice attorney for a free and confidential case review.