Most everyone will find the need to take some kind of medication some time in their lives. And whether that medication is a pain medication or not, there are some general rules that apply for the safe use of all medications. While this list is not all inclusive, here are some safety tips that apply to all.
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Store medications as per package directions. Some medications can be keep at room temperature, while others need to be refrigerated or perhaps frozen. Every prescription or over-the-counter drug comes with information as to ideal storage temperature. If you are unsure about a specific medication, ask your pharmacist.
Keep all medications out of the reach of children.
Take medications as per package directions. Do not exceed recommended dosages.
Do not share prescription medications with other individuals. Medications should always be used only by the person it is prescribed to.
Read package information or patient education leaflet and talk with your pharmacist about the correct usage of medication regarding the best time of day to take specific medications, take with food or empty stomach, side effects, time to intended effect, etc.
Do not keep expired or unused medications. Dispose of unusable (expired) medications correctly. If medication is still usable, it can be donated to various clinics or taken to medication collection facilities (more about this topic will be shared later this week).
Make sure you fully understand how to use medications before you begin using them. This is especially true for items such as inhalers, insulin pens, nebulizer solutions, injectables, enemas, nasal sprays and the like. A pharmacist or other health care provider can demonstrate correct use if you ask them to.
Some medications can deplete our bodies of nutrients as we use them over time. A couple of examples--diuretics can deplete our bodies of potassium, and metformin, a popular type II diabetes drug can reduce vitamin B12 levels when used long term. If you are taking a medication like this, it's important to know which nutrients are being depleted. In these two examples, it would be good to know which foods are good dietary sources for these nutrients so you can ensure that your intake is adequate.
Keep all medications out of the reach of children.
Take medications as per package directions. Do not exceed recommended dosages.
Do not share prescription medications with other individuals. Medications should always be used only by the person it is prescribed to.
Read package information or patient education leaflet and talk with your pharmacist about the correct usage of medication regarding the best time of day to take specific medications, take with food or empty stomach, side effects, time to intended effect, etc.
Do not keep expired or unused medications. Dispose of unusable (expired) medications correctly. If medication is still usable, it can be donated to various clinics or taken to medication collection facilities (more about this topic will be shared later this week).
Make sure you fully understand how to use medications before you begin using them. This is especially true for items such as inhalers, insulin pens, nebulizer solutions, injectables, enemas, nasal sprays and the like. A pharmacist or other health care provider can demonstrate correct use if you ask them to.
Some medications can deplete our bodies of nutrients as we use them over time. A couple of examples--diuretics can deplete our bodies of potassium, and metformin, a popular type II diabetes drug can reduce vitamin B12 levels when used long term. If you are taking a medication like this, it's important to know which nutrients are being depleted. In these two examples, it would be good to know which foods are good dietary sources for these nutrients so you can ensure that your intake is adequate.
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