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Important Meds Info
Dec 06, 2010
Here are 21 basic rules we should all follow in regards to our meds:1. If side effects appear or increase, consult your doctor or your pharmacist about dosage or other medication options.
2. First-pass effect medications may not provide effective absorption at the currant dosages. Check dosage or check for alternative medications that do not have first pass effect. (your Pharmacist will know if any of your meds are "first-pass" meds)
3. Medications that are in a liquid or solution form will be absorbed faster than those that are solids. Check for liquid forms of medications.
4. No extended-release, sustained-release, controlled-release, timed-release or osmotic pump medications.
5. Many medications can also have gastrointestinal side-effects like gas, diarrhea, constipation or intestinal cramping.
6. Read the pamphlet attached to the prescription bag for potential side-effects.
7. You should not take any NSAIDs without a protectant such as Cytotec or Carafate. EVER!!!!
8. Be able to recognize an NSAIDs when you see one.
9. Use a protectant if taking daily low-dose aspirin for heart health or to prevent stroke.
10. Check all PMS over the counter medications (OTC) for NSAID ingredients.
11. Read all OTC medication packaging to check for NSAIDs ingredients.
12. Inhaled steroids for asthma are okay.
13. Taking steroids of any kind, even by injection, requires taking a protectant as well.
14. Medications commonly used in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis such as Fosamax, Actonel and Boniva have the potential to cause gastrointestinal ulceration. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives.
15. Do not continue to take medications that have been discontinued.
16. If dosages have been changed, do not finish out a previous dosage just because it is there. CHange the dosage immediately unless instructed otherwise by your physician.
17. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of your medications are fat soluble. If so, stay in touch with the prescribing physician and report your currant weight every month for possible dosage changes. (as the amount of fat in your body changes your dosages may also need to be changed)
18. Tell all medical providers about your status as a weight loss surgery patient. (Lap-Banders too!)
19. Keep all your scripts at one pharmacy if possible.
20. Meet and get to know your local pharmacists. They truly can be invaluable friends.
21. Remember to have everyone work as a team for you! You're worth it!
(Used with permission of Little Victories Medical/Legal Consulting & Training. All rights reserved)
One other word of warning when it comes to taking Tylenol. You MUST watch the amount of Tylenol you are taking. No more than 4,000mg in a 24 hour period. You can cause yourself liver damage with Tylenol overdose. You need to read your labels. Look to see if things have Tylenol or acetamenophin in them. Vicodan has Tylenol so if you are taking Vicodan or Lortab make sure you aren't adding a lot of Tylenol on top of it. That is why it is important to read the information on those pharmacy bags and on otc medications. __________________
