At some point in our lives, most of us will need some form of medication to combat an illness or treat a condition. We trust that the companies producing the drugs we need will take proper care in making sure they are not dangerous or defective. Additionally, doctors should take the necessary precautions to make sure the medications they prescribe will not harm their patients.
But as patients, there are things we can do to look out for our own safety. By communicating with the medical professionals involved in your care, you can better ensure you will not suffer a negative reaction when taking a drug. Your doctor and your pharmacist can provide you with critical information regarding any medication you may be prescribed.
The following are helpful steps you can take prior to starting on any new prescription medication treatment:
- Let your pharmacist and doctor know about any non-prescription drugs, supplements or vitamins you are presently taking. These items may negatively impact the effectiveness of the new medication.
- Inform the doctor and pharmacist if you suffer from any allergies.
- Ask your doctor and pharmacist for information regarding the benefits and risks offered by the new medications. Also find out if there are other alternatives.
When you pick up your prescription, carefully read the label and ask the pharmacist questions about anything you find unclear. If you start to experience any ill effects after starting the medication, contact your physician as soon as possible.
There are many ways you can make sure you are getting medication that is safe to use. But if a pharmaceutical company releases a drug that is defective or does not provide proper instructions for its use, you could suffer a serious medical injury.
Should you or a loved one suffer harm caused by a defective or dangerous drug, you may wish to consult with an attorney who handles medication injury cases. The attorney may be able to prove the pharmaceutical company was liable for the injuries caused by its product.