OT: Questions About Medications

[jezzie]

Must-Ask Questions About Medications

What do good mystery novels and new prescriptions have in common? Both can keep you guessing.

Doctors should communicate six basic points whenever they prescribe a new medication. Unfortunately, research shows they usually deliver only about four of them. For the full story, ask these six critical questions when you're given a new drug:

1. What's the name (trade or generic) of the medication?
2. Why are you prescribing it for me?
3. What are the potential side effects?
4. How much should I take (how many pills, squirts, teaspoons, etc.)?
5. How many doses do I need each day, and what time should I take them?
6. How long should I take the medication?

Not taking your medication correctly can make you as much as 4.5 years older, not to mention it can lead to some serious health trouble, such as a hospital stay for side effects, an unintentional overdose, or a relapse of your original condition.

Nevertheless, about 50 percent of people who need medications for the long term to manage health conditions stop taking them within 6 months of their last doctor's appointment -- a major no-no.

Whether you quit your pills because you didn't know the answer to question 6, or because you feel better, experience side effects, or want to save money, there's really only one good reason you should ever stop taking your medication: Your doctor tells you to.

So help your doctor help you. Jot down notes about your medications, ask for printed information -- do whatever it takes to make instructions crystal clear. Then, follow doctor's orders.
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[Loretta V]

My doctor's office has lots of info in their lap tops. I think that other medical facilities can access this info, if we were out of town. I think that is a great idea for those that travel a lot and have medical problems. The last time we were there the gal printed us out an update record of DH's rx.

Good questions to ask. One of my friends was taking half of her DH's bp pill. He gets them from the V A and they are cheaper that way. Don't know why she did not get her own rx? She does not follow thru on her problems, nor does she have mammograms or any kind of health care. She is in her 80s now though, so she must be doing something right.

Thanks Jezzie

[Begete]

One other important question: What other herbal remedies and meds might this med interact with and/or render the other less effective?

I have pretty severe osteoporosis, and, as most of you know, allergies. For years I was taking increasingly larger doses of calcium, plus fosamax, etc. to no avail. Then a coach from my health insurance company told me that antihistimines, which I take in massive doses, block the body's ability to absorb calcium. I started separating my calcium intake and my antihistimine intake by several hours, and my bone scans improved dramatically.

When I mentioned this to my doctors, none of them were aware of this, but they looked it up, discovered the information I had received was correct, and have now cautioned all their patients about this.

[mykneesareback]

Begete, I too am continually amazed at the extra reading many doctors simply don't do to keep up on the latest news about nutrition and so forth!!! One would think they belong to some web site that sends out the latest facts in newsletters, or something like that, lol.


D

[jezzie]

Originally Posted by mykneesareback

One would think they belong to some web site that sends out the latest facts in newsletters

I think you are right. I think my doctor gets his updates the same place I do.
From the NE Journal of Medicine.

[Jewels]

It's kind of scary when we know more than the Dr.
When I start a med, I find out everything I can about it but I know I may be in the minority here. Not many people do or care for that matter.

Thank God for computer's!!!!

Good post Jezzie.

[jezzie]

I don't know more about anything than my doctor.
Well, except maybe literature. His wife is the reader.

And that's the way, uh-huh uh-huh, I like it, uh-huh, uh-huh.
(Good, now Gilligan's Island is gone.)

[BarbDe]

Originally Posted by Jewels

It's kind of scary when we know more than the Dr.
When I start a med, I find out everything I can about it but I know I may be in the minority here. Not many people do or care for that matter.

Thank God for computer's!!!!

Good post Jezzie.

What I hate is that I do read all the info that comes with the Rx. Then next appoinment I will question the side effects or whatever and be told "Oh, DON'T read that stuff!"

[Grammie C]

Jezzie I found that question 6 to be very important...I was on Lipitor for 10 months and recently read when that drug was first released it was for 3 or 4 months to assist with high cholestrol.

Many of my friends and family are on it for a year or two.

My chol was 223 when they put me on it in April 2006 and
117 April 2007 and DR still left me on it until I asked and
he stopped it for now.

I like most always want to take as few meds as possible.

Thank You for this helpful list I will be sending it on to my sisters.

[Jewels]

Originally Posted by BarbDe

What I hate is that I do read all the info that comes with the Rx. Then next appoinment I will question the side effects or whatever and be told "Oh, DON'T read that stuff!"

Next time ask him WHY?

I have learned over the years you can't trust all Drs. I had some very bad experiences with my Mom. Some give you a pill to counteract the last one. She had a Dr. that even said that but when this went on for 3 visits I said....Whoa!!!! I think it's time to find another Dr.

Don't read that stuff!!?????? Run as fast as you can. Now why would then not want you to be informed?? It's YOUR body, not there's. They should be happy you are taking control of your own body. I now say to myself.."I'm paying him for a service and if I'm not satisfied, then leave." Simple as that.

Don't go just by the sheets he gives you either, go on the internet and search search search it. Lots of good info out there. NE Journal of Med that Jezzie suggested, the Mayo Clinic, WebMD....

[Kathy4HIM]

Great info, Jezzie. Thanks.

My doctor (family practice) is terrific, imho. She listens to me. She considers what I want. She gives me alternative ideas. She takes TIME with us. She always gives the 6 points listed in Jezzie's info about prescriptions. She and I are close to the same age (I think I'm a tad bit older) and I am praying she will be one of those docs who decides to work until she's very old. LOL Her practice is quite small compared to most (and she is the only doc in her office) and I think that lends to the wonderful care we get.

Kathy

[jezzie]

My pharmacy also gives these dramatic computer printouts with all possible
(and impossible) side effects.
I think half of them happened to one in ten million people. lol.

The first time I switched meds my daughter read the warnings and wanted me
to come sleep at her house.
One of the warnings was to notify your doctor immediately of unconsciousness.

I had to explain to her the ramifications of living in a 'sue happy' society.
And if you pay too much attention to it you're more likely to die of worry
than the medication.

Each medication sounded worse than the last ... and yet here I sit alive and well.


.

[Loretta V]

One of the warnings was to notify your doctor immediately of unconsciousness.

Love those kind of warnings.

Side effects of any drugs are so numerous. Even the otc medications have side effects. Then if you combine things, as Bagete talks about with her antihistamines and fossamax, you just don't know. Different reactions for different people.

Just wondering if any one else has had this experience.

I have been taking the Equate brand of sugar free metamucil powder for years with no problems. My local WM's were out of it for several months, so I ended up buying the more expensive Metamucil brand. I have been using it now for about 3 months and I have a persistent rash on my back. It is itchy and scaly. I can clear it up but it just returns. I use scent free detergent and scent free softener.

I recently read an article in a health magazine that in rare cases, Metamucil can cause a rash. I am going to quit taking it and see what happens.

Just wondering if any one else has had this happen.

[BarbDe]

Originally Posted by jezzie

My pharmacy also gives these dramatic computer printouts with all possible
(and impossible) side effects.
I think half of them happened to one in ten million people. lol.

The first time I switched meds my daughter read the warnings and wanted me
to come sleep at her house.
One of the warnings was to notify your doctor immediately of unconsciousness.

I had to explain to her the ramifications of living in a 'sue happy' society.
And if you pay too much attention to it you're more likely to die of worry
than the medication.

Each medication sounded worse than the last ... and yet here I sit alive and well.


.

Yeah, that is basically what the Doc said to me.
And of course I am one of those research everything, everywhere I possibly can LOL.

[jezzie]

Loretta I don't even know what Metamucil is
... so I'm guessing I've never had it.
But I'm on my way now to look it up.

[Begete]

Loretta -

If stopping the metamucil doesn't clear up the rash, stop the fabric softener and see if that clears it up. I am allergic to even unscented fabric softener - which reminds me - those of you visiting here on July 28 - nothing with a scent at all - and no unscented fabric softener!!

Instead of fabric softener, try putting a cup of A&H baking soda in with your wash. Works best if you put it in with the rinse, but I am not to run downstairs to do that.

[Loretta V]

Thanks for that idea Begete. Will try that if this does not work.

I saw some big bags of A&H baking soda in the store and was wondering what on earth are people using all that baking soda for.

On one of my online searches for rashes caused by metamucil, I found that it might be the yellow dye they put in it.

[jezzie]

Originally Posted by Loretta V

I saw some big bags of A&H baking soda in the store and was wondering what on earth
are people using all that baking soda for.

Loretta: Baking soda is one of those all purpose things like vinegar.
A lot of the uses involve it's 'deodorant' properties ... cleaning the refrigerator,
microwave, garbage pail (and laundering diapers.lol. ).

Back when I had multiple feline fur babies I added it to the litter boxes.

I'll do a search later and post the results. Google is one of my best friends.

[jezzie]

Thousands of uses for baking soda and vinegar:

Baking Soda

http://www.thefarm.org/charities/i4at/lib2/60soda.htm

http://home.ivillage.com/cleanandorg...,,9jt5,00.html

http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...oda_youve.html


Vinegar

http://www.versatilevinegar.org/usesandtips.html

http://www.vinegartips.com/

http://www.rd.com/content/extraordin...s-for-vinegar/

(Did I just thread-jack my own thread? )
.

[Loretta V]

Thanks for those tips Jezzie, I am a big fan of vinegar for lots of household uses.. Now I can add baking soda to my list.

[Jewels]

Baking soda is one of those all purpose things like vinegar.
A lot of the uses involve it's 'deodorant' properties

Jezzie, wo having to look at all those tips, how do you use it as deodorant?
Since it's almost impossible to even find deodorant without antiperspirant (which I am allergic to) The one deodorant I've found has fragrance!

I can go to Babette's either stinky or ....... I need help and fast!

[jezzie]

A lot of the uses involve it's 'deodorant' properties ... cleaning the refrigerator,
microwave, garbage pail (and laundering diapers.lol. ).

I've never heard of it being used in place of an antiperspirant.
I've only used it for deodorizing 'things' (as I said in my post) not people.

(Some people do use it to brush their teeth.)

If I get a chance I'll skim through the tips and see if I can find anything.
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[jezzie]

Julie: Here it is:

52. Use soda as an underarm deodorant.

I use it for a lot of things but that wouldn't have occured to me.

[Jewels]

Originally Posted by jezzie

Julie: Here it is:

52. Use soda as an underarm deodorant.

I use it for a lot of things but that wouldn't have occured to me.

You're a gem Jezzie...but I wonder how it goes on?

Like I said, there is only one deoderant for women out there and it's hard to find. And it has a fragance. All the rest have antipersperant in them and man, do they make me itch.

Babette??? Help!!

[Loretta V]

Julie, I use Dove Original Clean. I have a problem with fragrance also, but this does not bother me. It does say Anti=perspirant though.

[Begete]

Julie -

I do use antiperspirant. Have been using Mitchems unscented for over 30 years...

[Jewels]

I can't.. I'm allergic to it. I itch terribly.
So I may show up stinky!

[mykneesareback]

Julie, my dh says back when he was in the Navy, down in the Phillipines, the sailers used baking soda all over themselves after showering. But it was so damp there that the stuff sort of rubbed into them, some fell off, but it did help keep the persperation down. They also used Talc, but I don't think they make that anymore. The baking soda was cheaper for the Navy too. Back in the old days, I recall there being a baking soda deodorant sold, but I can't remember the name of it. I think that Vermont Country Store sold something like that too, but I haven't had a catalog from them in a long time either. hmmmmm??? Makes me wonder. I am allergic to Mennen deodorents for some reason, and Ban made me especially bad after using it for years and years. But I get itchy just under the arms, not any where else.

Loretta, is that rash sort of gray in color on top?? That could be psoriasis related also. Just a thought is all.


Doris

[Jewels]

I have had some named Tom's but it also is scented. I use Crystal Clean by Mennen, Lady Speed Stick. But it only comes in scents.
I'll try the baking soda after my shower and hope it holds.
Poor Babette, Doug, Rae and Betty!

[jezzie]

My grandmother used cornstarch to keep dry.
She had the curse of our family. Large mammary glands.
(Only Tara escaped).

She paid for nothing if she could use something cheap that she had.
And she always had cornstarch (for thickening gravy).

Just for the record:
I'm currently using Secret Platinum 'Optimism' scent.
.