by Andi Surya Amal
General practice prescribing is a co-operative
exercise between the patient/client, physician and pharmacist. Good
communications between all three leads to a successful outcome. This essay will
look at some of the suggestions with special emphasis on the responsibilities
of patients to their prescription drugs.
It is important to underscore the fact that studies
of medication usage in USA performed over the past 15 years have shown that
more than 50 % of patients take their prescription drugs incorrectly. There
are a variety of reasons that contribute to this wasteful and sometimes
hazardous practice. However, we are still to need an accurate data about consideration
by the patients to their prescription drugs for achieving a successful outcome.Related this issue, see more : [1], [2], [3], [4]
James W. Long
had written six points for consideration by the patient in his book : Essential
Guide to Prescription Drugs, 1993. I would like to quote several points of them
that important followed if you are a patient. The information you need to know
for safe and effective drug use. The following suggestions are offered to
reduce confusion and misunderstanding and to increase the likelihood that you
take the right drug for the right reason at the right time and the right way.
The first suggestion is if you are being treated for
a recurrent or chronic disorder (such as
asthma or diabetes), learn as much as you can about the nature and medical
management of your condition. Ask your physician and pharmacist for written
information they may have available for distribution; visit your local
libraries and book stores for pertinent publications; consult local chapters of
national organization that provide
educational materials for specific disorders. The more you know about your
disorder and its treatment, the more able you will be to use your prescribed
medications safely and effectively.
Secondly, cooperate fully with your physician and
pharmacist to ensure that the diagnosis of your disorder is as accurate as
possible and that treatment prescribed is the most appropriate for you. It is
incumbent upon you to share the responsibility for obtaining safe and effective
drug treatment.
Thirdly, do not be unduly influenced by seductive
advertising of prescription drug products to the public through television
commercials, magazine displays, celebrity endorsements, etc. Ask your physician
and pharmacist for unbiased, objective information regarding the drug’s
benefits and risks-and its appropriateness for you.
The other important suggestions you require to do
for save and effective drug use, and the points will become your responsibilities
– to yourself – as a patient, among others :
a. Know
both the generic and brand name of all drugs prescribed for you.
b. If
you are taking more than one drug, be sure that the label of each container
includes the name of the drug and the condition it treats.
c. If
you do not clearly understand the directions for using a drug, consult your
physician or pharmacist before taking it.
d. Follow
all dosing instructions carefully and completely. Comply fully to obtain the
maximal benefit the drug can provide. If you have trouble remembering to take
your medications “on time”, ask your pharmacist for a dosing calendar or a
weekly medication box.
e. If
you are taking medications prescribed by more than one physician, check the
generic names of all prescriptions to ensure that you are not taking duplicate
drugs with different brand names. This could cause serious overdosage.
f. Nonprescription
drugs can interact unfavorably with prescription medications. Ask your
physician or pharmacist before you begin taking any new over-the-counter
preparations.
g. Be
certain all drugs you take are “in date”-have not expired according to the
dating on the label.
Additionally, the criteria for selection of a drug
include the following that the drug is used to treat a serious or significant
disease or disorder, and it is recognized by experts to be among ‘the best
choices’ within its class. The benefits of the drug equal or exceed its risks.
Furthermore, the safe and effective use of the drug requires special
information and guidance for both the health care practitioner (physician,
dentist, pharmacist, nurse) and the health care consumer (patient and family).
Finally, health
authorities need to make it a priority to educate the public on this issue
through publicity and educational program. Beside that, the physician and
pharmacist thus work together, with the pharmacist sometimes providing a safety
net for errors arising out of a physician’s prescription and book stores for
pertinent publications haste or inexperience. Naturally if a patient already
has a clear idea on the medical condition outcome is much more likely to be
assured.
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