6 mistakes when using prescription drugs

Many people buy medications without checking the label and comparing it with the doctor's prescription, combining medications with foods or drinks incorrectly, such as with grapefruit juice...

According to the US Food and Drug Administration, errors in the use and storage of drugs cause at least one death every day and injure 1.3 million people each year. Here are common mistakes to avoid when taking prescription drugs, according to abcnews.

Value branded drugs over generic drugs

Brand name means trade name. In treatment, the role of the first brand name is very important because all data on effectiveness and safety of use in humans, animal studies, etc. are from the first brand name. This first brand name drug is called the original brand name drug, or simply the original brand name drug. The original drug (generic drug) is a drug that is bioequivalent to the original brand name drug in terms of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, produced when the industrial property rights of the brand name drug have expired, so it is often sold at a cheap price.

Although they are cheaper, generics are just as effective as brand-name drugs. The only difference is that inactive ingredients, such as dyes or preservatives, do not affect the drug's activity. According to Dr. Kim Russo, clinical director of VUCA Health, a large medical video library service in the US, minor differences in generics are allowed. We have largely forgotten about it in medicine. If you can't tolerate one of the inactive ingredients, you may need the brand-name drug. Otherwise, save your money and go with the generic.

Combining medicine with food or drink incorrectly

Always check for foods and drinks that may interact with medications. One food to watch out for is grapefruit and grapefruit juice. There are about 50 medications on the market that can be affected by this food. Depending on the medication, grapefruit juice can decrease or increase absorption (which can lead to overdose). There are certain medications that should not be taken with calcium-rich foods because they interfere with the body's ability to absorb the medication. Additionally, some medications can cause you to lose or retain potassium. So talk to your doctor about whether you can start or stop eating certain foods while taking your medication. You should also consider drinking alcohol. Alcohol can turn mild side effects into dangerous ones.

Not checking the drug label

To avoid getting the wrong medication, make sure you have the correct prescription before leaving the pharmacy. A different color or shape may just mean that the medication is from a new generic manufacturer, but it does not mean it is safe.

Do not tell the pharmacist

Most pharmacists will answer any questions you may have about your medication. Don’t rush into choosing a new medication. This is the time to learn what the medication is for, its benefits, and any potential side effects or interactions. If you have been taking the medication for a while and have recently experienced unexplained changes, such as a rash or persistent headaches, you should also ask your pharmacist.

Improper storage of drugs

Medications should not be stored in places with high humidity, such as bathrooms, as moisture can damage the medication. Medications should also be kept away from light. This is why medication bottles are amber in color to block out ultraviolet rays.

You should keep your medicines in a dark place, especially if you have a light cabinet and light can pass through. Some medicines should not be left out of their bottles. Some medicines, such as insulin, may need to be refrigerated but can be warmed up before injection and then stored at room temperature for a number of days as prescribed. Remember that some medicines need to be kept in the refrigerator and they may lose their potency if left at room temperature for even a few hours.

Do not throw away old medicine

Most medications are still effective for up to 2 years after their expiration date. That’s when they should be thrown away, but not down the toilet. Flushing some heart medications, stroke medications, or hormones can be very harmful to the environment. Only a few medications, including painkillers, can be flushed away. Other medications should be placed in a plastic bag and thrown in the trash.

According to VnExpress