If you are already taking one or more drugs for a condition,
when you see a physician about a new condition let him know what you are
taking. If you are taking drugs under a physician's direction, get his advice
even on such a seemingly simple matter as whether it will be all right, if you
develop a headache or a cold, to take aspirin or other agents to make yourself
more comfortable.
PROPER USE OF MEDICATION
Although most sick people benefit
from their contact with the treasure chest of modern medications, the
experience is unhappy for too many. Much of the unhappiness could be avoided by
common sense procedures based on awareness of the realities of diseases and
medications. The rules are simple and few:
1.
Take medications on your own only for the most
minor conditions, and seek medical advice if there is no clear improvement
within a day or two.
2.
A Special
Word about Medicine Taking If you are using a medication prescribed by a
physician, do not take any medications on your own for some other problem
unless you have been informed they will cause no trouble.
3. When you seek medical help for a problem, leave it up to the
physician to determine whether you really need medication or whether it may be
wiser, in a particular situation, to let the body use its defenses to overcome
the problem-for the body often can do exactly that. Don't be in a rush to take
something, to pressure the physician to give you some- thing. Make it clear to
him that you understand that sometimes no medicine is the best medicine.
4. Follow the
physician's instructions to the letter when he gives you a prescription. Get it
filled immediately. Take exactly as directed-in the prescribed dosage, for the
prescribed length of time.
5. If you notice any untoward reactions while taking a
medication, let your physician know immediately. A side reaction may not be
serious -or it may be. If it's the latter, prompt measures can ameliorate it.
6. Do not save leftover drugs.
7. Ask your physician to instruct the druggist to label the
bottle or other container of any medication prescribed with the name of the
medication. You will find that more and more doctors today believe strongly in
this. It can be a safety measure, helping you to avoid mistakes in taking
medication.
8. And if trouble should arise during the course of taking
the medication. If there should be an accidental overdose, if a child should
happen to get hold of the medication and use it, the immediate identification
of the compound may well help to prevent fatality.
Moreover, your knowledge of what you are taking can come in
handy if you have to consult another physician while your own is away.
9. Safeguard medication. Never leave any, including aspirin,
standing around on a dresser or a table. Return it to the medicine cabinet
immediately after use. A medicine cabinet should be kept closed and locked.
It's a good idea, especially in any household with children, to have a medicine
cabinet equipped with a combination padlock, or a drug safe or chest with
combination lock. Your druggist can advise you about obtaining one at
reasonable cost.
10. Teach your children to properly respect medications. Do
not tell a child that medicine is like "candy" because it tastes
good. Instead, even at a very early age, teach him that medicine is to help
overcome illness, and that it doesn't matter whether he likes it or not, it is
something he must have when sick to make him well, and never at any other time.
