Measuring prescription medication for your child




Questions to ask about child prescriptions

If your child needs medication to recover from an illness, talk to your True Dental Discounts prescription plan doctor about the medicine she has prescribed before you take it home. Some questions to ask include:

  • What exactly is the drug? What does it prevent or do?
  • How often does my child need to take this medication? In what dosage?
  • What side effects come with taking this medication? Should I be alert for any changes in condition?
  • How soon after taking the medication will it start working?
  • What if my child skips a dose?
  • How long should I continue giving my child this medicine?
  • Should I continue administering the remaining medication, even if the child appears to be recovered?
  • Could this medication possibly interfere with another medication my child currently takes?

This prescription can cause what?

Television commercials for prescription drugs today are filled with disclaimers about the risks of side effects. All drugs – even aspirin – have side effects, but they range from minor and slightly irritating to very serious. According to pharmacist Jim Morelli, the most common side effects of medication involve the gastrointestinal system (such as upset stomachs). Fortunately, the FDA must approve all new drugs released on the market to protect consumers and weigh the benefits vs. risks of each medication. However, many side effects are not known until after the product has been released. Because of this, the FDA recently mandated that all dispensed prescriptions (as well as many over-the-counter medications) must be labeled with a toll-free number. This number gives anyone the opportunity to report adverse effects they experience from taking the medication.

The risk of side effects alone should not discourage people from taking medicine that is necessary for their health, so talk to your True Dental Discounts doctor or pharmacist about any potential effects of prescriptions you’ve been taking. He or she can explain the benefits vs. risks of each drug and show you how to prevent certain irritating symptoms such as dry mouth. If you do happen to notice adverse effects from your prescriptions, it is important to tell your doctor because he or she can help you find a different prescription that works best for your body and your overall health.

How does the FDA determine the safety of a particular drug?

Before approving a drug for use in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration tests it to determine its risks and benefits. The company that created the drug must submit data about the tests it has conducted in the laboratory and in people to prove that the drug has a real health benefit. If the FDA determines that the drug does, in fact, have a health benefit, they will then weigh that benefit with any possible risks or side effects of the drug.

The FDA compares the frequency and seriousness of any side effects to the seriousness of the disease being treated. Generally, very serious and rare diseases, like cancer, are permitted to be treated with drugs that have more risky side effects. If it is indeed determined that the benefits are shown to outweigh the risks in proportion with the seriousness of the condition, then the FDA will allow the drug to be sold/used in the U.S.

Communicating with your health care professional can help keep you safe

Many people who get a prescription from their doctor don’t think twice before adding it to their daily routine. They might glance at the dosage, but never give a second thought to what other factors go into a good prescription. Yet, there are many personal habits and health concerns that must be addressed before committing to a particular type of medicine. The National Council on Patient Information and Education suggests that you maintain regular communication with your doctor or pharmacist about the following issues:

  • Any ongoing or past medical conditions, and the overseeing doctor;
  • The names of all medicines you are currently taking, including sleeping aids, laxatives, vitamins, herbal remedies, pain relievers, and both prescription and non-prescription medicines;
  • Any problems you’ve experienced with certain types of medications;
  • Any known allergies to medicines or substances;
  • If you are, or could become, pregnant.

Each of these items represents an important part of your prescription health, and having open communication with your health care professional can help to ensure that you do not take a potentially harmful medication. Many people do not realize that their small day-to-day habits and their “non-medications” such as dietary supplements can impact the effectiveness of any new medication. Be sure to talk about these issues with your doctor, and, as always, show him or her your True care discount card to guarantee you’re getting the best prescriptions for your money.