Ellen Campbell -Grizzle
MOST OF us take medicines without any problems. Sometimes, difficulties arise with adverse side effects, with swallowing the medication or when we have to take a lot of products at different times. Here are a few questions that most patients want answered about their medicines.
What does it do?
How and when should I take it?
How long will I need to use it?
How do I know it is helping?
How can I be sure it is safe, and what are the side effects?
Could another medicine work better, and would it be less risky?
Should I avoid any other medicines, drinks, foods or activities when I am taking this medicine?
Will it build up in my body?
Once you are comfortable with your medication plan, prepare a medicine reminder chart that lists the name of your medicines, your name for them, what each is for, how much to take and when. As you write down this information in ways that you understand, you are on the way to becoming an expert patient.
Persons over 75 years should arrange with their pharmacists to review their medication at least once a year. Some pharmacists call this 'brown bagging'. It is best to make an appointment with your pharmacist for this activity. This is the time to make sure that you are taking your medication as you should, and that expired products are removed.
Do not delay, talk to you doctor or pharmacist immediately if:
You or someone else have taken too much of any medicine
There is an allergic reaction to a medicine (such as wheezing, rash, swelling or fainting).
You notice any serious side effects or unusual symptoms
Your health is getting worse.
Everyone has feelings and beliefs about medication. We know that people will not comply with medication or health-related advice if they do not understand how the treatment will help. Key factors in reducing compliance are lack of information and practical difficulties. Pharmacists know that informed patients are most likely to achieve maximum benefits from their treatment plan.
Today, expert patients have a role to play in the safe and effective use of medicines. They are preventing the spread of 'super-bug' infections such as Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). We know that the overuse of antibiotics is fuelling the development of drug-resistant strains of germs. If you are taking an antibiotic:
Always follow the instructions on the label
Complete the prescribed course of antibiotics, unless your physician tells you otherwise. Although you may begin to feel better, taking the full course of antibiotics will help to prevent your illness from returning
Never share antibiotics with friends or keep them for use at a later date
Increasingly, health care professionals treat one another as partners and recognise the value of diverse skills in the provision of services. The patient's role is crucial to the success of this process. Learn to be an expert patient so that you can take greater control of your health.
Ellen Campbell-Grizzle, president, Caribbean Association of Pharmacists; director, Information & Research, National Council on Drug Abuse; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
