Generic drugs online

Points for Consideration by the Patient

• Ask the pharmacist to give you printed information sheets about the drug(s) prescribed for you. Say YES if you are asked if you want counseling on your medicine! Make use of your pharmacist's training. Also ask him or her to fill out the Medication Map from the back of this book for you.
• Read the label. I've seen people pay more attention to a peanut butter label then they do to their prescription label. I've listed this twice because I think it is so important. These labels are a great opportunity to learn how to get the most from your medicines. They also tell about dosage forms that should not be altered (opened, crushed, or chewed), and about effects food may have.
• Use the same pharmacy for all of your medicines. Most pharmacies have a computer system. This can help prevent serious allergic reactions and significant drug interactions. Tell your pharmacist of all drugs (remember to include herbal remedies, megavitamins, alcohol, and nonprescription agents) you are currently taking.

Your Responsibilities-to Yourself-as a Patient

• Know both the generic and brand name of all drugs prescribed for you.
• If you are taking more than one drug, be sure that the label of each container includes the name of the drug and the condition it treats.
• Remember that foods can react with medicines. Something as simple as grapefruit juice is now known to interact with some high blood pressure medicines. The best liquid to take with most medicines is water. Be aware.
• Take a moment to make sure you understand the directions for using a drug. Ask if you're not sure.
• Many nonprescription medicines were once only prescription. Talk with your pharmacist or physician BEFORE combining any two drugs.
• Follow medicine instructions carefully and completely. DO NOT stop an antibiotic seven days into a ten-day prescription because you feel better. This can lead to serious illness. If you have trouble remembering to take your medications on time, ask for a dosing calendar or a weekly medication box.
• If you take medicines prescribed by more than one doctor, check the generic names for duplicate drugs with different brand names. This could cause serious overdoses.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist if they offer "brown bag sessions" for your medicines. Put all the medicines you currently take, and have the pharmacist review them for potency, appropriateness, and dating.
• If you are looking at a new insurance plan or HMO, ask if there is a formulary. Find out if a mail-order pharmacy must be used. Finally, ask who will regularly review your medicines and how you will be able to contact a pharmacist for questions if a mail-order pharmacy must be used.