Using Medicines Safely
During a visit with your family doctor or health provider, you may not have a lot of time to discuss medication prescribed
to you or your teen. However, there are several important questions that the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and the National Council
on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE)1 suggest you ask, especially if you have a teen. Asking these questions will help ensure medicines are
safely used in your home, and alert you to prescription drugs that have a high rate of abuse.
- Will this medicine work safely with the other prescription and nonprescription medicines currently taken by my teen or myself?
- What are the side effects that can happen with this medicine and what should be done if they occur?
- Does this prescription drug have the potential for addiction and/or abuse?
- What are the specific signs and symptoms of addiction or abuse I need to be looking for (for myself and for someone else)?
- How should I store this medicine? How should I dispose of any leftover medicine if advised by the doctor to stop taking it?
If you are unable to get these questions answered completely during your visit, you can also speak with other qualified health
professionals, specifically a physician assistant, a nurse practitioner, and/or a trusted pharmacist about any medications that are prescribed to you
or other family members.
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