Using Medicines Safely (19.2)

Using Medicines Safely (19.2)

1. Standards for Medicines

   • Prescription Medicines
   • Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines
   • Medicine Labels

2. Medicine Misuse

   • -Failing to follow the instructions on or in the package -Giving a prescription medicine to a person for whom it was not prescribed, or taking another person's medicine -Taking too much or too little of a medicine -Taking a medicine for a longer or shorter period that prescribed or recommended -Discontinuing use of a medicine without informing your health care provider -Mixing medicines without the knowledge or approval of your health care provider
   • Medicine Abuse
     • -Taking medicines to lose weight or stay awake while studying -Taking medicines to fit in with peers (ie "pill parties") -Avoid taking medicine prescribed to someone else since it's not for you