Get Answers to Your Medication Questions
7/23/2015
Have you ever picked up a prescription, got home and realized you had a
question? Maybe you had a headache but weren't sure how the pain reliever would
work with another medication you take? You're not alone.
"Your safety is important to us. Don't be afraid to call and ask your doctor or
pharmacist to explain prescription directions again if you didn't understand
them the first time," encourages Dr. George Jones, Chief of the Defense Health
Agency Pharmacy Division. "And it's always a good idea to write down any
additional or special instructions so you don't forget them once you get home."
Your pharmacist should be the first resource you use to answer questions about
your drugs. If you are taking an over-the-counter (OTC) medication like
acetaminophen (TylenolR), cough medicines, herbal supplements or aspirin, those
drugs can interfere with other medications. Because you purchased these products
OTC, there is no record in the pharmacy's computer system to prevent harmful
drug interactions. It is important that you tell your pharmacist about taking
OTC products when you fill any prescription.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is another good resource. FDA's Division
of Drug Information (DDI) will answer almost any drug question and are easy to
reach. The DDI responds to an average of 4,432 telephone calls, 1,531 emails and
91 letters with drug questions every month. The top five questions DDI
pharmacists receive are:
* What are the possible side effects of my medicine, and where can I find
the most current information about the drugs I take?
* How do I report a bad reaction to a medicine or a medication error to
FDA?
* Are generic drugs the same as brand name drugs?
* How can I find out when a generic will be available for a medicine I
take?
* How do I discard medicine that I no longer need?
Did you know that if you get your prescriptions from
<http://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/Pharmacy/ManageScripts/SwitchRetail.aspx
TRICARE Home Delivery, you still have access to a pharmacist 24/7? You canget answers to these and other questions by calling Express Scripts, Inc., the
