How to Better Understand Your Prescription Labels

Reading the drug label is very important, whether it’s for OTC or Prescription, before taking your medication. It can be somewhat confusing though. Every OTC and Rx medication has specific instructions for save use and they should always be followed precisely.

First and foremost, always keep your medication in the original package, so you have dosing information on hand. If you have filled a prescription medication, be sure that your name is on the packaging, before your leave the pharmacy, to make sure you have been supplied with the correct prescription.

Here’s how to better understand your prescription labels.

Drug Facts

Active Ingredient

You can find lists of the active ingredient or ingredients that actually make the medicine work, here. The active ingredients are what your using the medication for, like to make your fever go down or help with sinus congestion. It is vital that you pay attention to this section, especially if you are taking more than one medication, whether it’s prescription or OTC. Paying attention to this section helps make sure you are not taking too much of the same active ingredient since this can be harmful.

Uses

The uses section tells you the symptoms or illnesses you can expect when taking the medicine. Only use products that treat the symptoms you have.

Warnings

Warnings help you determine the times when you should not be taking a specific medication. This section also tells you when you should seek counsel from a health care provider if needed. It also explains to you when you should stop taking the product.

Directions

The directions section explains exactly how the medication is intended to be used. Be sure to never take more than the drug facts label says you should be taking. Never take the medication for longer than the label says you should be unless you have been told something different by your health care provider. It can be dangerous to take medicine for longer than is directed.

Pay close attention to the age and weight instructions on the drug label. It can be dangerous to overmedicate or give the wrong amount of medicine to someone who does not meet the requirements of this section.

Other Information

Here you learn other important information you should know about the medication you are taking. Be sure to review the labels of the medicines you have in your house, to make sure you are storing them in the correct places. Most medicines should be kept away from heat and humidity. Always keep your medications out of the sight and reach of children.

Inactive Ingredients

The inactive ingredients section includes important information you should know that relates to the ingredients that make up the medication. This section exists in case you or a loved one have an allergy to one of the inactive ingredients.

Questions or Comments

You should always consult your health care professional if you have any questions. There is always a toll-free number listed on the label if you have any questions.

Drug Labeling Has Changed Over Time

Drug labeling has increased in length, detail, and complexity, over time. Now that changes have been made to drug labeling, it is now much easier to find answers to specific questions, identify approval dates and find specific information.

How has the FDA made sure labeling contains all the needed information?

The FDA conducted focus groups, surveys, and public meetings with prescribers to determine the importance of what should be on the prescription’s label.

Here are 5 things you can do to make sure you are staying safe, before taking your prescription

1. Make sure you understand the basics of your medication. Be sure to know answers to how much you should take when you should take your medication, and how often you should take a dose. You can always take time to discuss these questions at the pharmacy counter. Don’t ever feel like you are taking up too much of the pharmacist’s time at the pharmacy counter. If you have questions about your medication, ask then. A pharmacist will gladly answer your questions about the medication you’ve just been prescribed.
2. Always ask about items that should be avoided when taking your medication. These items include certain foods, supplements, and vitamins. Also, ask about alcohol. It can be very dangerous to consume alcohol with certain types of prescriptions.
3. Ask about the possible side effects, both common and rare, as well as others that may be more serious. These are important to know, so if you experience any, you know when it is appropriate to speak to talk to a health care professional.
4. Always read the patient information sheets that the pharmacist gives you when you pick up your prescription. They have usually stapled to the bag that your medication comes into.
5. Always identify when you can stop taking your medications. Some drugs should be taken when they are finished, like antibiotics. Discuss your prescription with your physician, because it is possible you can stop taking your medication if you start feeling better or your symptoms go away. Always follow your physician and pharmacist’s recommendations.