Taking Control of Your Medicines: A Simple Guide to Understanding What You Take Every Day
Most people struggle with their daily medicines. It’s a common experience, and often the information you need is buried in confusing medical jargon or simply hard to find. But it doesn’t have to be that way!
By asking the right questions, you can take a closer look at which medications, if any, are truly necessary for you.
There are surprisingly few reliable places where people can go to get clear, easy-to-understand information about their medications. We’re here to change that.
Ask Questions About Your Disease and Medications
Start by asking questions about your disease or sickness, and the medication (or drug) you’re being told to take. It may seem like an easy step, but did you know that most people don’t ask questions about their medication? They simply take it, hoping for a cure or to feel better.
Many people are prescribed (told by their doctor) that they must take a drug medication to stay alive. But is this always true? You should absolutely ask questions about your disease or sickness and what types of things you can expect to happen to you if you take medication.
Review Your Medications Before Every Doctor’s Visit
No matter how many medications you’re taking, it’s vital to review each bottle. Write down the name of your medication, the date you started taking it, and why you’re taking it. For example, are you taking a drug medication for thyroid disease, heart disease, high-cholesterol, or high-blood pressure? You should know this.
You may have been told that your medication is to treat or control your disease or sickness. This means you should know if what the doctor told you is correct. Do you feel better, worse, or the same? Write that down and write down how you feel after you take the medicine.
Understanding Potential Risks & Benefits
Make sure what you’re being told to take is safe, and that you understand what can happen to your body from taking the medicine. Check to make sure you understand the potential side effects – both good and bad – that can happen if you keep taking it. We provide simple medication safety reports for all to understand.
Get a Second Opinion – With Someone Other Than Your Doctor or Pharmacist
You can review your medication with a family member or health professional who is not your doctor or pharmacist. Did you know that doctors often use words and sentences that are hard to understand? This means you may not be getting the best information in a way that’s easy for you to understand.
Sometimes, you have to take time and look for information about your medication yourself or ask a close friend or family member to help you review it.
Is Your Medication Safe? Finding Reliable Information
You can search on your phone or computer to find out more information about your medication and whether it’s safe. Search for your drug by its name. You’ll get a lot of information, and looking through it can be overwhelming. Here at Simple Safety Info we provide comprehensive and helpful medication safety information resources.
So, write down everything you learn about your disease or sickness and the medication you’re being told to take.
Create a Safety Checklist: Potential Risks & Questions
Make a list of all the potential bad things that can happen to you from taking your medication. Use this list to ask questions and advocate for yourself.
We Want To Hear From You!
Have you ever had to look up your medication to find out if it was safe? Share your experience in the comments below!