| When you receive a prescription, did you know that
there is an unwritten prescription that accompanies
your medicine? This unwritten prescription comes
with every medicine you take, whether it is a
prescription drug, or an over-the-counter medicine
that you select yourself.
This invisible "prescription" is for patient safety.
It comes from information provided or offered to you
by your physician, nurse, pharmacist, other health
care professional; and by the manufacturer of your
medicine.
How can you take advantage of this prescription for
patient safety? Ask questions. Speak up! Before
you start taking a new medicine, tell what other
prescription, over-the-counter, and dietary supplements
that you are taking. Some medicines may
interact with each other, possibly causing dangerous
reactions in your body.
Before you leave your doctor’s office with a
prescription in hand, ask if any tests will be
required while you are on this medicine to make
sure it is working safely in your body. (It will be
your responsibility to follow through with any such
tests.)
All medicines have benefits and risks. By
remembering to "Educate Before You Medicate,"
you can help to get the most benefit from your
medicine. It’s your own prescription for patient
safety.
Consumers, order your “Talk About Prescriptions”
PAK with samples of resources from the National
Council on Patient Information and Education.
Click here for details.
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