Medications

Here are some things to consider doing. Some items may not be applicable to you.

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Approx. 4 of every 1000 prescriptions are wrong (e.g., wrong dose, allergic reactions, wrong therapy)

Before taking medications:

• Confirm that the medicine has been prescribed for you – never self-medicate

If planning to take more than one medication at a time:

• Don’t take more than one medication at a time before discussing with your doctor
• Check ConsumerMedSafety to ensure the combination isn’t dangerous

Before doctor prescribes medication, especially an antibiotic or heart medication:

• Ensure doctor knows what medications you’re currently taking
• Ensure doctor knows your drug allergy history
• Ask about any changes in the medication’s name or dosage

If you have reduced kidney or liver function:

• Ensure your medication is reduced or changed as appropriate

If your doctor prescribes medication:

• Ask the doctor and/or pharmacist for following (in writing, if feasible):
  • Name of the medication
  • What the medication is supposed to do
  • Dosage
  • How and when the medication should be taken
  • How long you should take the medication
  • Medicines (e.g., over-the-counter), food, drinks, etc. which shouldn’t be taken in combination with the medication
  • Activities which should be avoided while taking the medication
  • Possible side effects
  • What to do if you miss a dose
• Try to use a pharmacy such as Canada Drugs Direct for all of your prescriptions so they will be more likely to catch potentially dangerous drug interactions and/or inappropriate prescriptions

Children:

If you administer over-the-counter medication:

• Don’t give aspirin to children can cause Reye’s disease
• Don’t give ibuprofen to children 6 months or younger
• Follow recommended dosage by weight (preferred) or age on container
• Don’t continue medication too long

If any of the following:

Child is 3 months or younger
Child continues to experience discomfort
Child is lethargic
Child has high fever

• Seek medical attention

After you finish taking antibiotics:

• Throw out leftover anti-biotics (misuse of antibiotics leads to their ineffectiveness)

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