UNDERSTANDING NON-RX MEDICINE

Checklist  for  using over-the-counter (OTC) and
pharmacy-only medicines wisely
   •  Always start by reading the label and package insert.
   •  Learning more about your medication will help you to decide if you
      have selected the right product for your health condition.
   •  Look for a medicine that will treat only the symptoms you have.
      The formulations of non-prescription medicine are very specific. For
      example, if you have only a headache, you should use a pain
      reliever rather than a medicine with both pain reliever and
      decongestant. 
   •  Know what to avoid while taking a non-prescription medicine.
      Like prescription medicines, some over-the-counter medicines may
      cause unwanted effects and closely following of the manufacturer’s
      instruction is needed.
   •  Take the medicine exactly as stated on the label. Take the
      recommended amount at the exact intervals stated on the label.
      Too much of any medicine can be harmful.
   •  Use extra caution when taking more than one non-prescription
      medicine. Many medicines contain the same active ingredients.
      Always compare active ingredients before taking more than one
      medicine at the same time.
   •  Don’t combine prescription medicines and non-prescription
      medicines without talking to your pharmacist or doctor first. Some
      medicines when taken together may cause adverse reactions or
      interfere with each other’s effectiveness. Always inform your
      pharmacist or doctor if you are taking other medication.
   •  Make sure that your pharmacist and doctor have a list of all the
      medicines you are taking.This includes both prescription and
      non-prescription medicines, as well as dietary supplements.


UNDERSTANDING RX MEDICINE

Checklist for using prescription medicines wisely
   •  Talk to your pharmacist regularly about your medicines and before taking any health supplement or over-the-
      counter medicines.
   •  Do not stock up on medicines; purchase enough quantity to last you till your next clinic visit.
   •  Take only medicines prescribed for you.  Sharing prescription medicines with others can be harmful.
   •  Store medicines safely and out of reach of young children.
   •  Always check the expiry dates on your medicines before taking it.
   •  Ask your pharmacist for comprehensive information on the medicine that you are taking. Such information includes
      what it is used for, how to take it and the side effects which require immediate medical attention and other
      precautionary measures.
   •  Check with your pharmacist on whether
            –  medicine prescribed is cost effective for you
            –  lifestyle changes could be of benefit
   •  Dispose of unwanted medicines safely.
      Your pharmacist can give you advice on this.
   •  Get a review of your medications from your pharmacist. Especially if you take a lot ofmedicines, your pharmacist
      can help you detect problems like harmful interaction between medicines and unnecessary medication, thus
      reducing side effects and saving your medication cost.