Taking a new prescription medication can be frightening, especially if you have never taken that medication before and you don’t take a lot of medications. Any medication is going to have an impact on your body and knowing how to deal with them is essential to getting through a trial phase of a new medication that you are taking. With the right approach, however, you can have the confidence that you need to take a new prescription medication safely and effectively. Here is everything that you need to know about taking a new prescription medication.
Understand the Directions
The first thing that you have to know about taking a new prescription medication is to understand the direction for your prescription. Every medication and dose are different, so when you get a new prescription, you have to read the instructions. They will let you know if you need to take multiple pills a day, how frequently to take them, and how long you should take your medication. Taking your medication for longer or shorter than is recommended by your doctor will have adverse effects. You should also try to follow the recommended dose schedule as closely as possible for the best results.
Ask About Safety
Another important thing for you to know when you are about to take a new prescription medication is that it is okay to ask your doctor or pharmacist questions about safety when taking your new medication. When you receive your medication at the pharmacy, the pharmacist will ask if you have taken your prescription before and if you have any questions. You will also get communication should there be an issue with a medicine you are prescribed. The FDA recommends electronic communications for recalls. By talking with your doctor and pharmacist you can get more comfortable.
Signs of An Allergic Reaction
The final thing that you should know about when you are starting a new prescription medication is the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction. When taking a brand-new medication, you have never had before, you run the risk of an allergic reaction. Knowing what to look out for with any particular medication will help you catch any complications before they become serious.
Taking a new prescription medication can be a source of stress for many people, but prescriptions are generally safe and with the right knowledge, you can feel confident. Make sure that you know these three things and new prescriptions will never scare you again.
Check out this article on how to save on healthcare costs over the long-term!
