19.2 - Using Medicines Safely
OTC medicines
Over-the-Counter medicine medicines you can buy without a doctor's prescription FDA considers these medications to be safe if taken as directed on the label
drug overdose
a strong, sometimes fatal reaction to taking a large amount of a drug
prescription refil
doctor must write approval for
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
federal agency responsible for the regulation and enforcement of drug evaluation and distribution policies
medicine abuse
intentionally taking medications for nonmedical reasons
clinical trial
medical test of the safety and efficacy of a new drug or treatment with human subjects
experimental drug
medicine which has not been fully tested, but is thought to be effective and allowed to be used in life-saving situations
FDA clinical trials
new treatments undergo 3 clinical trials
medicine label
the warnings and instructions on the outside of a container of drugs - active ingredient - uses - purpose / product category - expiration date - directions (dosage) - inactive ingredients - warnings - other information (such as manufacturer, lot number) - Questions, comments, contact information
medicine misuse
using a medicine in ways other than the intended use
prescription label
- name and address of pharmacy - serial number of prescription - date of filling the prescription or date of the prescription - name of prescriber - name of patient (if stated in the prescription) - directions for use and any cautionary statements
3 ways herbal supplements may not be safe
- substance itself might be harmful to the body - product contain herb might be tainted with unhealthy substances as they are not subject to regulation (could include lead or other toxins) - product might interact negatively with medications or other herbal supplements, etc.
dosage
Amount and frequency of a medicinal drug that may be taken safely
FDA and dietary supplements
FDA does not regulate herbal and dietary supplements. - people believe that natural means safe.
FDA
Food and Drug Administration
Prescription medicines
Medicines that can be sold only with a written order from a physician dosage is appropriate for you and your condition refill must be approved by doctor for you to continue taking medication