The most important components of drug safety, particularly in cancer treatment, is communication and following directions. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist and other health care providers. It is important you be proactive in tracking your medications to prevent a serious error. Use your Breast Cancer Advocate iPhone App.
The two primary categories of drugs are prescription and over-the-counter (OTC). Over-the-counter includes herbals, vitamins, supplements, etc.
Definitions
Prescription medications may only be dispensed by a physician or properly authorized health care provider. The designation of a drug as prescription is made by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Over-the-Counter (OTC) drugs can be bought without a prescription.
Active ingredient is the chemical which makes the drug work. Some medicines have more than one active ingredient. Different prescriptions and OTCs may have the same active ingredient so be careful and don’t take them together unless instructed by your health care provider.
Uses are the symptoms or illness the drug treats.
Purpose is the category of drug such as antacid.
Warning indicates when not to use the medicine and/or when to consult a health provider.
Directions is how to take the medicine. Follow specifically unless instructed by a physician.
Inactive ingredients are flavors or colors which are important as they may cause an allergic reaction in a person who is sensitive to them.
Side effects are unintended results of taking a drug. Side effects may be beneficial but most often are not.
Adverse effects are unwanted and potentially unfavorable outcomes from taking a drug.
Medication interaction is the way a drug works when taken with other drugs, certain foods, drinks, over the counter medications, herbs, vitamins, supplements and/or alcohol. These results may be good or bad.
Contraindication is a factor which makes using a particular medication inadvisable.
Doctor Communication
- Bring a list of current medications on your Breast Cancer Advocate iPhone App.
- When a prescription is indicated, ask the physician the following:
- Confirm the name of the drug and the dose.
- What does the drug do?
- What is both the brand name and the generic name of the medication?
- What are the side effects?
- What other drugs, foods, drinks, etc. should be avoided with this medication?
- What is the medication supposed to do and when will I see results?
- How long and how often should I take the drug?
- What if I miss a dose?
- What if I take too much accidentally?
- How will this medication interact with my other medications and what symptoms should I expect?
MAKE SURE YOU CAN READ THE PRESCRIPTION SO YOU CAN DISCUSS IT WITH THE PHARMACIST IF NECESSARY.
Pharmacist Communication
- Confirm the medicine name, dose and directions with the pharmacist.
- Confirm the pharmacy has an updated list of your medications.
- Reconfirm food, drink and drug interactions.
Home Suggestions
- Always tell your health care provider if you begin any new vitamins, supplements, drugs or herbs.
- Give a copy of your medication list to someone for safe keeping.
- Read all information which comes with your medication regarding storage, side effects, adverse effects, contraindications, etc.
- Use a pill organizer.
- Never split pills unless directed by your provider.
- Use a proper dose spoon, not a kitchen spoon.
- Follow administration instructions such as chew, take on an empty stomach, take with water, etc.
For more comprehensive information, go to:
Be Med Wise contains tips for using medicine safely.
Mayo Clinic Drugs and Supplements for information on over-the counter and prescription drugs.
