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Taking Your Medicine
For many of us, taking medication is part of our daily routine. It’s something we do automatically, like brushing our teeth and letting the dog out before bedtime. For others, it’s a temporary situation—getting a new prescription for the flu, an earache or any of the other ailments that come along in life.
No matter what the reason, there are many things to remember about taking medications, whether they’re prescribed by your doctor or bought over-the-counter at the grocery store.
Know what you’re taking and why. Up to half of the people who use medicines don’t use them as prescribed. There’s an interesting national study going on where research teams visit with patients at the front desk as they leave the doctor’s office. One in three doesn’t understand the dosage prescribed or what the medicine is for.
I realize that going to the doctor’s office can sometimes be stressful and scary, especially if there’s a serious health problem at hand, but it’s so important to understand what’s going on and what’s being prescribed. That’s why it’s wise to take someone with you, a family member or good friend who can help you ask questions and take notes. Don’t be afraid to ask the doctor to repeat something, or to explain things in more detail. It’s your body and your health at stake—it’s your right to get all the information and help you need.
When you’re being placed on a new medication for a new condition, ask your doctor if you can start with the smallest effective dose. Most medications come in multiple doses. If you react to a 10-mg. (milligram) dose, you will react ten times more adversely to a 100-mg. dose. You can always work up to a higher dose.
Also ask the doctor about the side effects, how long you’re expected to take this drug (some are for a lifetime), and when you will be rescheduled for a visit to see how the medication is working. Also ask about interactions with other drugs. You’ll be getting all this information and help from your pharmacist, but it’s something you should also discuss with your physician.
I really like to recommend getting your prescriptions filled from one pharmacy, and building a relationship with the pharmacist and staff. They’ll keep a computer file on your medications, and many times they’re the ones who catch mistakes and call the doctor when something isn’t right—like prescribing a new medication that might react dangerously with something you’re already taking. Many people see more than one doctor and don’t always communicate what’s been going on.
I realize this might be difficult being on the road in your RV, especially if you get sick far from home, but try to do as much as you can with one pharmacy. Remember to also keep that postcard I mentioned in the November 2003 column. It’s very important that you keep a record of all medications and vitamins in your wallet. It’s common practice nowadays for pharmacists to talk over your medications when you pick them up. Take advantage of that time and expertise. The more you know, the better.
Another suggestion. Many times a generic drug is an adequate substitution for a more expensive patent drug. Ask your doctor if this is possible when getting a new prescription. It’s certainly worth discussing, especially since many medications are very expensive. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether a generic drug is feasible right there in the office when writing out a prescription.
Do be sure to take your medicine as prescribed and for the full length of time as directed. Many times folks will start feeling better and stop taking their medication. This can cause problems and setbacks. If ever there’s a question, call your doctor to discuss the matter. Do watch for any side effects, and bring this up, too.
Hopefully, your primary doctor schedules a yearly visit with you to go over all your medications. If not, you take the initiative and make the appointment. I like to call this a “brown bag visit,” where patients literally bring in all their bottles of medicine, vitamins and supplements. We line everything up on the desk and discuss each and every pill. Frequently, there’ll be duplications of medications for the same ailment, due primarily to the patient seeing more than one physician. Your doctor might also discover a medication you don’t need anymore. Like a tune-up for your car, this visit is well worth your time and effort.
Understanding why you need certain medications is just as important as taking them. Don’t just take a pill because the doctor says so. Ask questions and learn all you can. Being an active participant is the best medicine ever!
Here’s to your health and happy travels.