The innovation, development and
administration of drugs has made it possible to treat, cure and even eliminate
a variety of deadly diseases altogether. It is simple for a doctor to
administer and instruct on how to take a type of medication, however external
variables could potentially have an adverse effect on the road to recovery.
Here are five of the most common
misconceptions surrounding the administration of medicine.
Myth 1: You Can Stop
Medication As Soon As You Feel Better
Many believe that stopping
medication as soon as they feel better is perfectly acceptable however, this is
simply not the case. A doctor will prescribe a course of treatment for a specific
period of time. Stopping early may cause adverse effects, including the risk of
relapsing into illness. Reasons for stopping a course of medication vary, if there
are negative side effects, then contact your doctor as soon as possible.
If a prescription has expired,
and there is no need for a renewal – feel free to dispose of the packaging and never
to think about it again. On the other hand, request a repeat prescription in
good time if treatment needs to be continued.
Myth 2: Natural
supplements and Herbal Remedies are the way forward
Just because it is natural – does
not mean it is 100% good for you. There are numerous benefits of taking natural
supplements; they are optimal for providing
those additional nutrients when your diet is not so balanced. They can also
treat vitamin deficiencies – and cheaply, however, there simply isn’t enough
scientific evidence proving that these supplements are as effective as
medication prescribed by doctors.
On occasions, doctors recommend
natural supplements in order to ensure that nutrients remain balanced in your
everyday diet. When buying natural supplements, look out for the THR
certification, Traditional Herbal Registration, this demonstrates that the
product has met specific manufacturing and safety requirements. However, this
does not mean that the product is safe for anyone and everyone to take.
Myth 3: Doesn’t
matter how you take a pill as long as you take it
There is a misconception that
taking tablets is the only method of ingesting medication. This can turn some
people away from going to the doctors, or to start digesting the tablets
differently. There is a condition called dysphagia, which can prevent certain
types of solids and liquids from being easily swallowed. Sufferers of this
condition often crush pills when they need to take medication that comes in the
form of a tablet. Sufferers may think that crushing tablets is the only way to
take medication - it’s not.
There are many ways to administer
medication – it is simply a case of asking your doctor. Depending on the
diagnosis and treatment options, there may be alternative prescriptions such as
liquid medicine or
topical ointment. Side effects of breaking tablets can prevent the medication
from improving your condition and cause other serious side effects.
Pills should always be taken with
water and most definitely not alcohol. Alcohol can affect the way the body
absorbs medication causing the medication to not to its job properly.
Myth 4: Storing medicine in the bathroom cabinet is best
It is easy to store medication in
bathroom cabinets or by a kitchen sink, being in plain view can help to remember
to take them. This is something people do every day, however, is this actually
the best place to store medication? Unfortunately, no matter how convenient it
may be, this exposes medication to dampness and light.
A locked cupboard which is away
from direct sunlight or humid areas, is the best place to store medicine. If there
is any uncertainty regarding storing medication, ask the doctor or pharmacist
for clear instructions.
Storing the medication in the
original packaging is also a good way to keep medicine organised and clear. Storing
them in the original containers is not the be all and end all, as there are
exceptions like daily pill containers which are great for those who have lots
of frequent medication, and will have instructions for use.
It is true that all prescription
drugs go through rigorous testing to ensure they are safe, which may make some
feel they are safer to take. In some cases, given medication can be stronger
than their illegal counterpart. However, even being prescribed controlled
quantities for a specific duration, doesn’t altogether stop
addiction. There are cases where people become reliant on their
prescriptions, mix them with other over the counter drugs or digest with
alcohol. All of these factors can be dangerous to one’s health.
Keep safe, follow guidelines and
get better. Any questions should be referred to the doctor or pharmacist.
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