Medication safety vital to good health

  • Published
  • By Maj. Krissa Crawford
  • 1st SOMDOS
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Today's medications are powerful and complex agents that should be used carefully to ensure a faster recovery and better health. 

Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians do much more than put pills in a bottle. Pharmacists are experts on the thousands of medications available today, how each one works in the body and the ways to use each one safely and effectively. They review each prescription, check the dose and look for potential reactions with other medications. Each prescription, no matter how simple or complex, goes through several safety checkpoints before being dispensed. 

Talk to your pharmacist about your medications. They can help you understand the appropriate use and intended outcome of your medicine, as well as any possible reactions and side effects. You can also talk to your pharmacist about how to store and take your medication, what foods or activities to avoid and what to do if you miss a dose.

Here are some tips from the Hurlburt pharmacy on safe medication use: 

- Every time you go to the doctor or pharmacy, bring a list of the prescribed drugs, over-the-counter medications, home remedies and nutritional supplements you are currently taking 

- Bring a list of medications you can't take because of drug allergies or any other reason. Tell your doctor why you can't take them and show the list to all health professionals managing your care 

- Question anything about your medications you don't understand or that doesn't seem right 

- Be especially alert to unexpected changes, such as a change in the appearance of your medication. It might just be a different generic brand, but it's better to be safe and make sure 

- Do not store medications in the bathroom medicine cabinet. The increased heat and humidity in a bathroom can have negative effects on your medications. Store your medications in a cool, dry place that is safely out of the reach of children