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Every year I get many letters from readers who have suffered unpleasant problems with prescribed drugs. Sometimes the problems are unavoidable. But often, the side effects could have been avoided - if the patient had known a little more about how to use drugs safely.
Here, therefore are some tips on how to get the best out of prescribed drugs. These tips are taken from The Patient's Companion, a Corgi paperback.
1. Always follow any specific instructions that you are given about the drugs.
2. Learn the names and purposes of the drugs you take. If you are not sure when to take drugs you have been given, check with your doctor or the pharmacist. If you think you will forget instructions, make sure they are written down.
3. Do not remove drugs from their proper container except when taking them or if you are transferring them to a special pill box designed to carry one day's supplies.
4. Store drugs in a locked cupboard where the temperature is fairly stable.Teacher: Michael Many articles taken from 'A word with the doctor', by Dr. John Windsor.
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