While it is imperative to read and understand OTC medication labels, you may not find the same level of information from your prescription medication labels.
The Federal Drug Administration(FDA) has attempted several times in the past 30 years to improve prescription drug labeling but without much success. It is hoped that with a greater government involvement due to such factors as Medicare's Part D prescription drug plan, that more efforts will be made to improve these labels.
Logo and Pharmacy Name in Bigger Type
Currently, the pharmacy name and logo may be the largest and most easily read part of the label on your prescription bottles. In much smaller type you will find the directions for taking the medication which will be brief at best. The name of the medication, the dose, the expiration date, the prescription number and the number of refills may be in much smaller type and far more difficult to read. The size of the label is dependent on the size of the bottle or tube and is standardized to fit in the pharmacy's printer.
Additional warning labels which may include more words are often in even smaller type, but usually have a colored background so that they stand out. These include warnings about not using heavy machinery or driving while taking this medication, not consuming alcohol while taking this drug, associated allergies, and whether or not to take this medication with food, or waiting a specified time frame before or after taking the medication.
When taking a new prescription medication for the first time, it is highly recommended that you have a consultation with the pharmacist when you pick up the prescription from the pharmacy.
You should also carefully review the literature you receive from the pharmacy with more detailed information about your prescription medication. If you have questions about the information, ask your pharmacist or PCP.
Instructions From Your PCP
Your health care practitioner or nurse may have given you specific instructions regarding the medication that don't appear on the prescription. These could include instructions to titrate (increase or decrease by increments) the dose up or down depending on your reaction. Or you may receive these instructions from your PCP or nurse after taking the medication for a few days. You should tape a note to the bottle if any change is made, in the event that someone else dispenses your medication, or you have difficulty remembering the changes.
Ask Your Pharmacist
If you have questions about a medication always ask your pharmacist. Use one pharmacy if possible to ensure that your complete medication profile is on file with the pharmacy. This way the pharmacist will be able to check for possible adverse interactions between medications, duplication of medications, and other precautions your PCP may not have noted or instructed you about.
Read more:
Understand Your Medications Including Names and Actions
