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Knowing how to take medicine properly is important if you have a medical condition. The wrong dosage, duration, or timing of medication can result in harmful side effects. Make sure you follow all special instructions and directions carefully. Make a list of all your medicines so you can keep track of the times you take them. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a pill box with a daily schedule so you know what to do and when. In addition to knowing how to take medicine correctly, you should also learn how to store your medicine properly.
When you buy medicine, check the label before leaving the pharmacy. It should clearly list the name of the medicine and any directions given by your doctor. Also, read the instructions carefully to avoid accidental over or under-dosing. Also, check the label for any allergies you may have. Some medicines cannot be taken with foods that you are allergic to. Make sure to follow the instructions and ask your pharmacist for clarification. Also, you should read the side effects of your medication.
Not following the instructions for taking your medication can lead to dangerous side effects and prolonged recovery time. Taking your medicines incorrectly can lead to substance use disorders and even death. Moreover, it can lead to the development of serious illnesses, requiring intensive medical treatment and even hospitalization. In some cases, improperly taken medication even results in addiction recovery treatment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 30 percent of all chronic disease treatments fail because of improper use of medicine. Taking medicines correctly can make all the difference between a healthy life and a miserable one.
Some drugs should be taken with food. This ensures that they get to your body. If you miss a dose, you run the risk of getting too much of it or not enough. Similarly, if you wait too long between doses, you may be more prone to drug-drug interactions. As long as you follow the directions given to you by your doctor, you’ll have no problems in ensuring that your medication is properly administered.
It’s important to make sure you keep a list of your medications, as this helps prevent accidental drug interactions and a potentially deadly overdose. Another way to make sure you remember to take your medications is to set a reminder. Consider buying a daily pill container, and refilling it on the same day every week. For an even greater chance of success, you can purchase a pill bottle with a timer cap so you can easily remind yourself of the dosage each day.
A chart with the exact dose of each medicine is helpful for caregivers and patients dealing with multiple medications. Making a chart of medication intake helps them follow the daily routine and check off the correct dosage. Keeping track of the doses helps everyone stay on track, even those who are helping the senior. You can also ask the pharmacist to prepare a liquid version of the medicine if you can’t swallow pills. However, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and do not crush the pills. You may end up with a dangerous combination of drugs.
