Managing Your Medicine II

4. How to Store Your Medicine

It is important to store your medicines properly. Guidelines for proper storage include:

• Keep out of reach of children
• Store away from direct heat and light
• Do not store capsules and tablets in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down. In addition, do not leave the cotton plug in a medicine container that has been opened since it may draw moisture into the container.
• Do not store medicine in the refrigerator unless directed to do so.
• Do not leave your medicine in an automobile for long period of time.
• Do not keep outdated/expired medicine or medicine that is no longer needed.

5. When Traveling

Carry your medicine with you rather then putting it in your checked luggage. Make sure an adequate source of medicine is available when you travel or take enough supply until the last day during your visit. It is also a good idea to take a copy of your written prescription with you in case you need it.

6. Side Effects of Your Medicine

Along with its intended effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Some of these side effects may need medical attention; while others may not. If you are suffering from any unwanted effects, tell your doctor or pharmacist. If you want to know more about possible side effects before commencing any therapy, ask your doctor or pharmacist. They may have an information leaflet on the medicine.

7. Additional Information

• It is a good idea for you to learn the name of your medicine and even to write them down and keep them for future use.
• If you must take your medicine every day, do not wait until you have run out of medicine before requesting a refill.
• If you find it hard to remember when to take your medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist for some suggestions.
• Read the label each time you take a dose.

Some Don'ts

• Don't leave the pharmacy without fully understanding the instructions.
• Don't stop a prescribed course of pills because you feel better. Antibiotics must not be stopped too soon since some of harmful bacteria may not be killed. These bacteria may become resistant to the antibiotic and may multiply and grow again thus causing a relapse of the disease
• Don't end a course of medicine because of some minor side effects or because you are better overnight or because you believe they are not doing any good. Some medicines take time to work.

Managing Your Medicine

1. Proper Use.

Medicines are generally very safe if used properly. This means taking them at the right dose, the right way and the right time. Otherwise the medicine might not work as well as it should or might even cause unpleasant side-effects.

• Do not take more than the prescribed dose or take the medicine more often than recommended. TWICE AS MUCH DOESN'T MEAN TWICE AS GOOD.
• If you forget to take your medicine, don't double the next dose. Doubling up on medicine is dangerous because it may lead to overdosage.
• Don't use other people's medicine. A medicine that is good for you may be bad for someone else, even if the symptoms are similar. So don't share medicine with family or friends. They should see their own doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• Don't mix medicine without seeking advice first. If you take two medicine containing the same ingredient, you could be taking an overdose. Some medicine can react with others to produce unpleasant side effects while some can block the actions of others - and actually stop them from working. Before taking your medicine home, make sure you tell your pharmacist if you are taking any other medicine. If you go to the same pharmacy regularly, you could ask the pharmacist to keep a record of your medicine to help detect any potential problems.

2. Self Medication

Before you treat yourself, think of these facts:

• Many illness run short, natural courses. Uncomplicated cold usually are cure by themselves. Most sore throats get better in a few days, with or without treatment. They are usually caused by viruses which are not cured by antibiotics.
• Symptoms do not always need treatment. Coughing gets rid of excessive secretion. If a cough is deep and distressing, or disturbs sleep, a cough mixture is good; but a daytime cough should mostly be allowed to do its work.
• Some medicine are harmful. Some medicine can be harmful especially if taken for a long time, e.g. nose drops should be instilled for occasional relief only.
• Some medicine can create dependence or addiction. Many people become dependent on sleeping tablets and anti-anxiety drugs.

3. What You Need To Know About Your Medicine

There are a number of things that you should know about each medicine you are taking. These include:

• What is the name of the medicine?
• Why am I taking it?
• What will it do for me?
• When should I take it? What is the best time and how often?
• How to take it and how much?
• Do I have any alternatives to this medicine?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• Are there any side effects? What to do if they appear?
• How long to wait before reporting no change in symptoms?
• How long should I continue taking it?
• Will this medicine affect any other medicines I am taking?
• Any food or beverages I should avoid?
• How should I store my medicine?

KNOW YOUR MEDICINES

1. What is medicine?

Medicines are chemical substances that are used for treatment, prevention and diagnosing diseases. There are medicines that you can buy "over-the-counter" at the pharmacy or supermarkets as well as those you get from your doctor. If used properly medicine will help you to overcome or control your medical problem. Repeated studies have shown that as many as 50% of patients do not take their medicine properly.

It is important to know what your medicine is called and what it looks like. Some medicine may look the same although they have different names and uses. Medicine can be prescribed by its brand name or chemical name. If you are doubtful, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

2. Before using your medicine.

a) Giving information.
Everyone is different and the pharmacist will need to know some facts about you before he/she can give the right advice. Therefore, before you obtain any medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist the following information:

• What are the symptoms that you have and how long they have occurred.
• If you have seen any health care provider
• All the medicines and dietary supplements you are taking or have taken recently, including prescription and non-prescription medicine.
• Any allergies and sensitivities to medicine, food or other substances.
• Your smoking, drinking and exercise habits.
• Any special diet you are on: low sugar, low-salt or a diet to lose or gain weight
• If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or if you are breast feeding
• Family history of illness(es).

b) Read the label.
The label on your medicine envelope or bottle contains important information. Your label may look different but it will show:

i) Your name

ii) The name of the medicine and its strength

iii) Instructions on how to take your medicine

example:

• the amount and frequency to be taken
• before, with or after food
• other special precautions for example, do not take any alcohol with this medicine.

As a general rule, take your medicine immediately after food. This helps you to remember when to take your medicine and to avoid getting an upset stomach. Some medicine, e.g. PENICILLIN need to be taken on an empty stomach as food interferes with their absorption. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist.

The instruction on the label are not just a rough guide but must be followed carefully. For example:

• TAKE BEFORE MEALS

This means about one hour before a meal and NOT two minutes before. Some medicines need to be absorbed into your system quickly so that they can act at full strength. Some of the effects of the medicine could be lost or delayed with presence of food. If you forget to take it at this time, it is probably better to take it after meal than rather not at all.

• TAKE AFTER MEALS

Some medicine can upset or irritate your stomach. To minimize this, the label may tell you to take your medicines within five to ten minutes after meals.

• TAKE WITH WATER

Instructions to take with water means a full glass of water. This will prevent tablets or capsules sticking into your throat. Do not substitute with other fluids without checking with your pharmacist or doctor.

• TO BE SWALLOWED WHOLE, NOT CHEWED

Some tablets or capsules have special coating that stay in place as they travel through your stomach. The coating then dissolves in the intestine to release the medicine where it can best be absorbed without irritating your stomach. Other type of coating allow medicines to be released gradually throughout the day. Chewing would destroy these features.

• TAKE WITH OR AFTER FOOD

Some medicine can irritate the stomach lining. To protect the stomach these medicine should be taken with or after food.

• TAKE AT REGULAR INTERVALS, COMPLETE THE COURSE

When you are taking antibiotics for an infection , you often feel better after just a day or two. However, the germs could still be there, ready to multiply if you stop the medicine. By taking regular doses and finishing the course, you maintain the antibiotic levels in your system to make sure none of the germs get away. Otherwise the germs could become resistant to the medicine and make you ill again.

• MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS. IF AFFECTED DO NOT DRIVE OR OPERATE MACHINERY

Some medicine can make you feel too tired to drive or use machines safely.Check with the pharmacist if you are not sure whether the medicine you are taking can cause this problem.

NEVER TAKE YOUR MEDICINE IN THE DARK EVEN IF YOU BELIEVE YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHERE TO FIND THEM

Quality use of Medicine

Definition

Quality use of medicine (QUM) involves:

• Selection of management options wisely (treatment with or without medicine) either by healthcare practitioner or individual (consumer).
• If a medicine (includes prescription, non prescription and complementary medicine) is necessary, a suitable medicine should be chosen.
• To get the best possible results, the medicine should be used safely and effectively.

Objective

To make the best possible use of medicines so as to improve health outcomes.

As a consumer/patient, you are responsible to:

1. Ask for and use information, resources and services.
2. Be aware of the risks and benefits of medicines, non drug options and healthy lifestyle.
3. Develop skills and seek help to solve problems related to the use of medicines.
4. Be aware of the place of the medicines in your health.
5. Tell your doctor/pharmacist all medicines taken and your current health condition (including pregnancy, plan to become pregnant and nursing status).

In achieving QUM, you should be able to ask these questions and get satisfactory answers.

1) Is it necessary for me to take the medicine?
There must be an appropriate reason for you to take any medicines. This is because there may be better ways than medicine to manage many disorders. Medicines should be used to cure or arrest disease, relieve symptoms, ease pain, correct deficiency diseases and provide other benefits.

Other management options (treatment with or without medicine) should be discussed with your doctor or pharmacist.

2) How do I take the medicine?
Follow the instruction that has been written on the label or as instructed by your doctor/pharmacist.

3) Where can I get the medicine?
You can get your medicines from the hospital, pharmacy, health centre and clinic. Do not get your medicine from unauthorized personnel.

You need to be cautious when buying medicines and supplements online or from non-pharmacy sources as it put you at risk of getting the wrong, contaminated and counterfeit product.

4) What should I know about the medicine?

The name of the medicine Active ingredientsThe purpose of the medicine How much, how often and how long to take itHow the medicine should be used or takenPossible side effects and what to do if you have themSpecial warnings or instructions about the medicine (take before bedtime or with meals, etc)Expiry dateStorage conditions

5) How to store the medicine?
Proper storage is important to assure the quality and therapeutic properties of the medicines are maintained. Here are some guides on how to store your medicines:
Store all of your medications in a designated location in your house.Do not mix different medicines together in one container.Medicines should be stored in a cool, dry area.Medicines stored in refrigerator should be separated from other items in the refrigerator and label as medicines.Oral medicines should be kept separate from other items that are for external use only.Expired medicines and any medicine that your doctor has discontinued should be discarded.Never share or give your medicines to another person.Make sure your medicines are stored out of children's reach.If a drug is not stored in its original container, make sure that it is labeled properly i.e. for whom, drug name, dosage, frequency and expiry date.Do not leave your medicine in an automobile for long period of time.

6) Can I stop taking the medication when I feel healthy?
No, you have to discuss this matter with your doctor/pharmacist. Compliance towards your medication is very important in order to get full benefit from it. Noncompliance may result in treatment failure.

7) What if I missed my medications?
Many people forget to take their medications. Whether to take a missed dose depends on the medicine. In some cases, it may be appropriate to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. In other cases, it may be too close to the time you need to take your next dose. If you are not sure what to do, get advice from your doctor/pharmacist.

Memory aids such as pillbox and marking on a daily calendar can help you to remember when to take the medicines.

8) What if I feel uncomfortable after taking the medicines?
Consult with your doctor/pharmacist. You may experience side effects or you are allergic to the medicines. Drug interaction may also contribute to this condition.

9) Where can I get more information about my medicines?
Consult with your doctor/pharmacist. You can get a lot of information from various websites on the internet but you must verify the information with your doctor/pharmacist.

10) If I have trouble to swallow, is there any alternatives to take the medicines?
You should tell your doctor/pharmacist of your problem. Dosage forms of medicine can be changed if available (eg. tablet to liquid formulation, gel, suppository or patch).

There are various types of dosage forms of medicines. The difference between each dosage form depend on where it works in our body, how fast it acts, for whom it is designed (eg. children may need liquid formulation or chewable tablets), how frequent it should be taken and specific disease states.

11) Is there a possibility that I may be taking the same medicine from different clinics / hospital?
Yes. Medicines may be prescribed by its brand or generic name. That is why it is very important for you to know the active ingredient in that medicine. This will be referred to as the generic name by healthcare providers. It also helps to know the dose of medicine to be taken, as to avoid overdosing or toxicity.

You can ask your doctor/pharmacist the generic name of your medicine when in doubt.

12) Is it safe to take other herbal medicines and other dietary supplements together with the prescribed medicines?
Many herbals and dietary supplements are made from natural ingredient, and many people think that they are safer than medicines. However, not many of these supplements have been tested when taken together with other prescribed medicines. Therefore, any side effects or drug interaction may not be documented and safety data cannot be established.

There are two myths that need to be addressed. First, once the natural or herbal ingredient has been made into tablets or capsules, it is no longer natural because other ingredients such as lactose or starch are added to make the final product. Second, herbs may contain very potent substance such as opium, curare and ephedrine. And they can kill!

Consult with your doctor/pharmacist before taking any herbals and supplementary medicines.

5 Consumer Responsibilities toward medicines

While the 8 universal consumer rights towards medicines fundamentally safeguards consumer welfare and interest, consumers themselves also have an important role to play to ensure a healthy social economic balance and sustainable progress.

Critical awareness
The responsibility to be more alert and questioning about the price and quality of goods (medicines) and services we use. Consumers must be careful and wary in selecting and purchasing medicines especially for those who practice self-medication.

Action
The responsibility to assert ourselves and act to ensure that we get a fair deal. As long as we remain as passive consumers, we will continue to be exploited. Ask your healthcare professionals about your medications and medicines and take redressal actions if you are being cheated or exploited.

Social Concerns
The responsibility to be aware of the impact of our consumption on other people, especially disadvantage or powerless groups whether in the local, national or international community.

Environmental Awareness
The responsibility to understand the environment consequences of our medicines consumption. Consumers should recognize their individual and social responsibility to conserve natural resources and protect the earth for future generations. When disposing unused or expired medicines, consumers must take proper care and measures so as not to pollute the environment with the content im the medicines.

Solidarity
The responsibility to organize together as consumers to develop the strength and influence to promote and protect our interest.

Consumer Rights in the Use of Medicines

These are the 8 Consumers rights in the use of Medicines.

I. Right to Basic Needs of Medicines
Healthcare is a basic need essential to live. It is your basic rights as an individual to have equitable access to medical care and medicines for health and wellbeing. Therefore, it forms the fundamental responsibilities of governments in every country to ensure that their people have equitable access to basic medicines needs.

II. Right to Information of the medicines.
Consumers have the right to be well-informed of the medicines they are taking. Healthcare professionals and the labels on medicines products must inform consumers what kind of medicines they are taking, what are the side effects, how to take their medicines, how frequent to take it, and the stating precautionary health warnings.

III. Right to Choice
The right to choose is essentially a consumer's right to choose a safe and healthy product of good quality over an unsafe or defective medicines product. By doing so, consumers can also influence healthy practices to be adopted by the market. It is also important for consumers to have a variety of healthy choices and in medicines, consumers have every right to choose and request for generic versions of their medicines from healthcare providers.

IV. Right to Safety
Every consumer has the right to safe medication. All medicines, whether its prescription drug or health supplements must not in anyway, bring harm to consumers. The Ministry of Health strives to ensure that every single medicines sold in the market is safe for consumer to use.

V. Right to Redress
The right to obtain redress is an important element given to protect consumer interests. Redress mechanisms such as the Consumer Tribunal and legal courts exist for consumers to gain redress and seek compensation for damages incurred due to medicines.

VI. Right to be heard
The right to be heard means that consumers should be allowed to voice their opinions and grievances at appropriate channels e.g. health authorities. If you have been cheated in the market place or deprived of the right quality of service about your medicines, your complaint should be heard and given due attention by the authorities. Consumers should also have a right to voice their opinion when rules and regulations concerning them are being drafted.

VII. Right to a Healthy and Sustainable Environment
The need for environmental conservation is seen as a necessary defense against deteriorating quality of life world-wide. As certain medicines are poisons, their disposal must be carefully and safely done so that it would not cause any significant harm to the surrounding living environment. Polluted environments lead to increased health costs and discomfort for consumers. Valuable resources are lost due to polluted environment and living conditions. Consumers need to understand that only a safe environment can ensure the fulfillment of their consumer rights.

VIII. Right to Consumer Education
Consumer education empowers consumers to exercise their consumer rights and is perhaps the single most powerful tool for consumer protection. Consumer education is dynamic, participatory and is mostly acquired by hands-on and practical experience. Consumer education can be in the form of past experiences of consumers, information dissemination by government agencies and NGOs, classroom teaching by teachers and informal lessons by parents.

Consumer's right

Introduction on consumer's right.

There are fundamentally eight consumer rights which are universally acknowledged by the global society. Ranging from basic needs to redress, they are essential elements of human rights. In the 20th century, the presence and influence of the market grew dramatically in consumer life. We began to purchase things from the market for a price. Soon, mass production and industrial production came into being, giving the consumer world an entirely new dimension. Have you ever wondered how much urban consumers depend on the market for fulfillment of even their basic needs? This over-dependence on the market and the inherent profit motive in mass production and sales has given manufacturers and dealers a good reason to exploit consumers. As a consumer, you would know how market products are constantly under-weight, of inferior quality and do not prescribe to quality standards specified by quality-control agencies. Consumers not only do not get value for their money but also often have to suffer losses and inconvenience due to market manipulations.

Consumer rights are now an integral part of our lives like a consumerist way of life. They have been well documented and much talked about. We have all made use of them at some point in our daily lives. Market resources and influences are growing by the day and so is the awareness of one's consumer rights. These rights are well-defined and there are agencies like the government, consumer courts and voluntary organisations that work towards safeguarding them. While we all like to know about our rights and make full use of them, consumer responsibility is an area which is still not demarcated and it is hard to spell out all the responsibilities that a consumer is supposed to shoulder.

Next post will be the 8 consumer's right.

Blog objectives

Those who concern about their health and medicines and the health of their loved ones are recommended to read all the info available here.


The main objectives of this blog are..

1. Increase consumer's awareness on rational use of medicines and consumer's right to medicines information.
2. Provide consumers with information on different issues related to medicines and health.
3. Ensure that consumers know their medicines, what they should and should not take, and why. 4. Improve adverse drug reporting through patient education.
5. Improve knowledge of mothers on their children's medicines.
6. Assist senior citizens on the use of medicines.