Important Insights on Medication Safety from Your Doctor and Pharmacist: Dr. Nina Radcliff

While you can buy over-the-counter medications at supermarkets, pharmacies, and various retail outlets, prescription medications necessitate a prescription from your healthcare provider and must be obtained from a licensed pharmacy.

The misuse of both over-the-counter and prescription drugs leads to over a million visits to emergency rooms annually. It is crucial to remain vigilant and dedicated to the continuous practice of medication safety when using these types of medications.

Medications play a crucial role in enhancing and preserving the lives of millions daily by addressing illnesses, managing health issues, and alleviating discomfort. When utilized according to a doctor's instructions or the guidelines on the label, medications are typically safe. Nonetheless, every medication carries potential risks. Implementing safety precautions can help diminish and even eliminate the chances of adverse effects.

Adverse drug events: An adverse drug event occurs when someone encounters an undesirable experience associated with the use of a drug. It may be related to an underlying disease, using other drugs simultaneously or other non-drug related causes, including:

Immune system-mediated allergic reactions can manifest as skin rashes, hives, and swelling of the throat.

Side effects are reactions that are anticipated and recognized as a result of a medication, but are not the primary goal of treatment. Common examples of these include feelings of nausea, stomach discomfort, and the appearance of hives.

Medication mistake or excessive dosage

Antibiotic-associated adverse events: The majority of antibiotic adverse events are due to allergic reactions. And with antibiotics being among the most commonly prescribed medications in the U.S., it’s important to understand that judicious use can significantly reduce the immediate and direct risks.

Avoid requesting antibiotics if your healthcare provider indicates they are unnecessary. Remember, antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections.

Never use “saved” antibiotics or take someone else's antibiotics. If a doctor prescribes you an antibiotic, be sure to complete the entire course as directed, even if you start feeling better.

Furthermore, certain medications necessitate consistent blood testing and potential dosage modifications, often leading to emergency room visits. These include anticoagulants (such as warfarin), diabetes treatments (like insulin), anticonvulsants, and cardiac medications (for example, digoxin). If you have been prescribed any of these medications, it is crucial to use them as directed and to keep up with regular blood tests and follow-up appointments.

Safely handling medications

Make sure your physician is informed about every medication you are using, including prescriptions from other healthcare providers, as well as any vitamins, supplements, herbal treatments, and over-the-counter products, even if you use them just from time to time.

Please assess any allergies or issues you've experienced with previous medications, including reactions like skin rashes, breathing difficulties, digestive problems, dizziness, or changes in mood.

Medication labels provide essential information to ensure the safe and proper use of drugs or medical devices. It’s important to carefully examine the label along with any accompanying information you receive with your medications. These labels typically contain details such as active ingredients, intended uses, warnings, dosage instructions, inactive ingredients, and other valuable information.

The effectiveness of the medication relies on the concentration of the active components. Avoid taking two medications that contain the same active ingredient.

Always adhere to the instructions provided on the label when administering or consuming medications.

Taking more is not necessarily advantageous. Avoid increasing the dosage or frequency of your medications in an attempt to achieve quicker or stronger results.

Store medications in their original packaging. If you opt for a pill organizer, ensure it is clearly labeled.

Illuminate the area when you are administering or receiving medications during the night to confirm that you are using the proper medication and dosage at the appropriate time.

Both over-the-counter and prescription medications can lead to severe health issues or even death if not used properly.

If you have any questions, feel free to consult a pharmacist or reach out to your physician.

Abuse

Make sure to verify that over-the-counter medications are safe if you have any heart-related issues or concerns. It's also a good idea to use the same pharmacy for all your prescriptions to assist in monitoring medications and potential interactions.

Unsupervised consumption of medications by children is the leading reason for emergency room visits due to adverse drug reactions in children aged 5 and under.

Keep medications stored away from children and visitors in medicine cabinets or other childproof storage. Always make sure to tightly close medication containers.

Always keep children away from medications, even if you'll be gone for just a moment (like when you're answering a call). If you need to step away, bring the medication along with you.

Dial 800-222-1222 for poison control assistance. Make sure to save this number in your contacts.

When giving medications, ensure you thoroughly read all information on the package label and adhere to the instructions provided. Avoid administering medications to a child or adult more frequently or in larger doses than recommended.

Children under the age of 4 should not be given cough and cold medications unless specifically recommended by a physician.

The more informed you are about the medications you take and their appropriate uses, the lower your risk of experiencing drug interactions or other complications that could escalate rapidly.

Dr. Nina Radcliff, of Galloway Township, is a physician anesthesiologist, television medical contributor and textbook author. Email questions for Dr. Nina to [email protected] with “Dr. Nina” in the subject line.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for diagnosing or treating medical issues. It is not a replacement for guidance from your healthcare provider.