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