Be in Control of Your Own Medication

Over the last few decades, the marketing and approval of drugs has always been under tight regulations. However, the side effects of drugs have been posing risks to many consumers. All drugs are poisons but not all poisons are drugs. Therefore, it is of great importance that people should aware that the medicine they take to cure one ill may cause another.

As a first step towards using drugs safely, you need to understand more about the drugs you are consuming. Apart from consulting medicinal handbooks, brochures or pamphlets, it is always best to ask you doctor or pharmacist for more information regarding the drugs.
Some basic questions that maybe helpful:

What is the name of the drug, and what is it supposed to do?
(Make sure you know both the generic name and the trade name if the doctor is prescribing by brand.)

How and when do I take the drug and when do I stop taking it?

What foods, drinks, other drugs and activities should I avoid while taking the drug?

What are the side effects, and what should I do if they occur?

Is there any written information about the drug?

Most people are a little too anxious during a medical consultation and consequently forget some things the doctor has said. So it is advisable to ask the doctor to write down the answers, or write them down yourself.

Before you take a drug, read everything on the label, and if there is a package insert, read the details too. As for the dosage instructions, the label often contains essential information about the storing of the drug. For instance, some drugs should be kept refrigerated, others should not be exposed to light, and some deteriorate rapidly and should not be kept for more than an indicated period of time.

Do's and Don'ts:

Do inform your doctor of all drugs you are taking, including supplements or other healthcare products.

Do inform your doctor if you have any known or suspected allergies to any chemicals.

Do take the appropriate dose prescribed by the doctor/pharmacist.

Do make sure that you have adequate supply of drugs if you are taking a drug that can cause severe reaction once you stop taking it.

Do keep a record of all drugs taken by members of family to avoid mixing-up.

Do not take drugs prescribed for someone else, even if his/her illness is similar.

Do not pressure your doctor to prescribe drugs.

Do not change the dose or timing of any drug without your doctor's consultation.

Do not take other drugs/supplements when you are taking prescribed drugs, without telling your doctor.

Do not take any drug in the dark.