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Do
not
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Do
|
| * |
Pressurise
your doctor to prescribe unnecessary drugs. |
* |
Know
the name and the correct spelling of the drug you are taking. It is advisable
to know both the brand name and its generic name. |
| * |
Take
drugs on the advice of friends who have had similar symptoms. |
* |
Check
the product label before purchase to ensure that the expiry date is valid
at the time of consumption of the drug. |
| * |
Offer
anybody drugs prescribed for you. |
* |
Read
the package labels and inserts of all drugs so as to familiarise yourself
with the contents of the product. |
| * |
Change
the dose or timing of any drug without the advice of your doctor. |
|
| * |
Continue
a drug which is causing adverse reactions. Contact your doctor as soon as
possible. |
* |
Follow
dosage instructions correctly. |
| * |
Take
any drug if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, unless prescribed by your
doctor, who is aware of your condition. |
* |
Shake
all liquid suspensions of drugs thoroughly to ensure equal distribution
of the ingredients. |
| * |
Withhold
from your doctor, information about your previous drug experiences. It is
important that your doctor be informed about the beneficial and undesirable
drug effects you had experienced in the past. |
* |
Use
a standarised measuring device for liquid medications to be administered
by mouth. The household teaspoon varies greatly in size. |
| * |
Take
drugs in the dark. Identify every dose of medicine carefully in adequate
light to be certain you are taking the drug intended. |
* |
Follow
your doctors's instructions
on dietary and other treatment measures designed to augment the actions
of the prescribed drugs. This makes it possible to achieve desired effects
with smaller doses. A common example is to reduce salt intake during drug
treatment for high blood pressure. |
| * |
Keep
different medicines on the bedside table. You are likely to be confused
and take the wrong one, even with the light on. |
|
| * |
Discontinue
taking a prescribed drug abruptly without the doctor's
advice. |
* |
Inform
your doctor if you intend to take OTC drugs while on prescribed medication. |
| * |
Take
drugs which have expired |
* |
Inform
your surgeon, dentist, anaesthetist of all drugs you are taking or have
been taking prior to any surgery. |
| |
 |
* |
Inform
your pathologist of all drugs you are taking prior to a diagnostic test.
|
| |
* |
Keep
a written record of all drugs (and vaccines) you have taken during your
pregnancy and reasons for their use. |
| |
* |
Keep
a written record of all of all drugs (and vaccines) to which you experienced
allergic or adverse reactions. |
| |
* |
Inform
your doctor if you are on a special diet, low-salt or low-sugar diet. |
| |
* |
Determine
if you can drive a car, operate a machinery or engage in hazardous activity
while on prescribed medication. |
| |
* |
Determine
if alcoholic beverages can be taken while on prescribed medication |
| |
* |
Determine
the course of action if you miss a dose of the prescribed drug. |
| |
|
* |
Discard
all outdated drugs. This will prevent used of drugs that have deteriorated
with time. |
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|
* |
Store
all drugs away from the reach of children to prevent accidental poisoning. |
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|
* |
Store
all drugs away from heat, light, in airtight containers in a dry place.
|
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|
* |
Keep
all appointments and follow-up medical examination to determine the effects
of drugs and the course of your illness. |