Don’t Forget to Check Your Meds in 2011

by Public Relations

The Cedarville University School of Pharmacy encourages those on prescription medications to spend a few moments at the dawning of a new year to review the drugs in their medicine cabinet.

“For every 10 people who take a prescription, one person will seek medical attention because of an undesired medication effect,” shares Dr. Marc Sweeney, dean of the Cedarville University School of Pharmacy. “Barely 50 percent of patients take their medication appropriately, and 96 percent fail to ask questions about how to use their medications.”

Developing a good relationship with your local pharmacist can actually prevent hospitalizations and doctor visits. Pharmacists can also assist patients in identifying lower cost medications that may be just as effective.

Here are a few simple things an individual should ask their pharmacist to stay healthy in 2011:

  1. What is this medication used for and how do I know that this medication is working the way it is supposed to?
  2. How should I take this medication?
  3. What are the common and/or serious side effects and how do we monitor for them?
  4. Are there less expensive alternatives I could talk with my physician about?
  5. What non-prescription medications or dietary supplements should I avoid with my current medications?
