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Ask My Pharmacist!
Frequently asked questions and answers: 1. What is the difference between a brand and a generic medication? When a new product is introduced to the market, the manufacturer assigns it a brand or trade name, different from its "chemical" name. Once the patent rights to the product expire [patent life varies depending on the time interval from initial discovery to approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)], other companies are free to manufacture generic versions of the product provided they meet all the requirements the FDA requires of the brand name drug. Generic drugs are regulated by the FDA just like the brand name drug and must meet the same stringent standards to ensure safety and efficacy for their intended uses. Most states require generic substitution by law, unless otherwise specified by the patient or physician. Please consult with your local Rite Aid Pharmacist concerning the substitution laws in your state. 2. I am feeling better; can I stop taking my antibiotic? Continue to take your antibiotic until the entire prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. 3. I take a number of prescription and non-prescription drugs and find it difficult to remember all of them. What can I do? You should make a list of your medications and medical conditions and carry it in your wallet or purse. The list should include:
This list is useful when discussing your treatment with your doctor and is especially important in case of an emergency. 4. When I visit a new doctor or pharmacy is there anything I need to tell them so I can get the best care possible? It’s important that your doctor and pharmacist know the name, strength, and directions for ALL of the drugs that you take. Be sure to include both prescription AND non-prescription drugs, (for example, cold remedies, pain medications, and nutritional supplements). Information about drug allergies and medical conditions is also important to tell your health care provider. Tell your doctor or pharmacist the names of any other doctors or pharmacies that you visit. Generally, it is best if your pharmacy keeps track of all of your drugs. That way, they can identify potential problems such as drug interactions. 5. I store my medications in the bathroom medicine cabinet. Is that the best place for them? Though it’s frequently used, the bathroom medicine cabinet is actually not the best place to store drugs because of the large amount of moisture from the shower or bathtub. It’s best to store drugs in a cool dry place away from children. It is also better to store drugs in their original containers and never mix different drugs together in the same bottle. 6. Who do I call if I have a question about my medicine? Your doctor and pharmacist are certainly qualified to answer questions about your medications because they know what medical conditions you have, and what other drugs you take. At the same time, they know how your medications work and how they interact with other drugs and foods. They also know how the aging process may affect the way your body reacts to certain drugs and what drugs to avoid with certain medical conditions. Do not hesitate to call them with questions about medicine. 7. What questions should I ask my pharmacist when I get a new prescription?
Most pharmacies can provide you with written information about your medicine when you pick it up. Remember to ask for this information when you pick up your next prescription. 8. What should I do with my medications when I travel? When you are traveling, you should not put your medications in your checked baggage; always have them with your carry-on items. This way if your checked baggage is misplaced, you’ll still have your medication. It’s also a good idea to carry a list in your wallet or purse with the brand and generic names of your medicines, the conditions for which they are used, the directions and strengths of the medications, and any drug allergies you may have. Also include your pharmacy’s and doctor’s names and phone numbers (with area code). Always use the original prescription bottles when traveling, and make sure you have enough medication for a few extra days. Remember to ask your doctor for extra written prescriptions in case you misplace your medicines. This is especially important if you are traveling to a foreign country |