Page 21 - Florida Sentinel 7-10-20

Health
Check For Errors
Almost 2% of all prescrip- tions are dispensed incor- rectly. You may get the wrong drug in the wrong dose in the wrong form. Read the label at the phar- macy counter to make sure it’s the medication your doc- tor ordered. For a refill, open the container to see if the pills match the ones you’ve been taking.
Push For Best Prices
Gag rules in some states
don’t let pharmacists volun- teer ways you might save money on your prescrip- tions. For example, almost 1 out of 4 prescription drugs cost less than your copay- ment. In that case, it’d be cheaper to buy the medica- tion without using your in- surance. Also, ask your pharmacist if it’s safe to lower your costs by switching to a generic or similar drug.
Follow Directions
Half of the drugs for high blood pressure, type 2 dia-
betes, and other long-term conditions aren’t taken as di- rected by doctors. Keep a list of all your prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and make it a habit to take them at the same time each day if possible. If you still forget, use a pillbox with the days of the week, and put it on the kitchen counter or some- where you can’t miss. Or you can download a pill re- minder app.
Don’t Overdo Pain Relievers
One in 5 people take more than the recommended dose of common non- steroidal anti-inflammato- ries (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen. And almost 25% of people mix two or more NSAIDs at a time. That can damage your liver or kid- neys, or cause bleeding in-
side your body. Stick to doses on the label. For kids, base the dosage on their weight, not their age.
You Cut Up Your Pills
Don’t do this unless your doctor or pharmacist told you to. Some pills should be taken whole because they’re coated to release slowly, to protect your stomach, or to bind two medications to- gether. If it’s OK to split the pills, cut them one at a time as you go so they won’t break down from heat or humidity. Use a pill cutter, or ask you pharmacist about scored tablets.
Mind Your Moods
More than 200 drugs, in- cluding birth control pills, blood pressure medication, and heartburn relievers, have possible side effects
that include depression or thoughts of suicide. If you notice such symptoms or feel down for more than a couple of weeks, ask your doctor if one of your drugs might be the culprit. Sometimes you might be able to lower your dose or try a different class of medication.
Food Facts
Some medicines work better or faster in an empty stomach. Others are best taken with meals. Also, some foods and drugs can make for bad or dangerous combi- nations. These include dairy products with some antibi- otics, certain cholesterol- lowering medications and grapefruit juice, and green leafy veggies and other vita- min K-rich foods with the blood thinner warfarin. Ask your pharmacist for guid- ance.
FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2020 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY PAGE 9-B