Arizona residents who have cancer or care for those with the illness may know that the management of medication can sometimes be difficult. However, there are some ways to make prescription and over-the-counter medicine management easier for those with cancer.
The patient and any person who is administering the medication should understand each medicine that has to be taken. It is important to know the different ways the medicine can be safely administered and when it is supposed to be taken. Side effects and the signs that the medicine is working should also be known.
Whether doctors use handwritten prescriptions or those that are generated by a computer, there is a possibility that errors will be made. Patients should take the time to ensure that they are receiving the right medication in its correct form.
Almost 50 percent of patients can misinterpret the dosage guidelines on prescription labels, and taking the incorrect dosage of a medicine can be harmful to a cancer patient. This is why it is necessary to compare the prescription label instructions and the instructions provided by the physician. If necessary, consult with the pharmacist for verification.
If a patient is taking multiple medications, he or she should take extra precautions to avoid adverse reactions. Take a list of all medications to all medical appointments so that each doctor can be aware of what another is prescribing.
Patients should also be careful to take their medications only as prescribed. A reminder system or pill organizer can help to ensure that the right amount of medicine is taken at the right time.
Efficient medicine management is necessary to obtain optimal medical results and to avoid mistakes that can lead to injuries. If the incorrect amount of medicine has been prescribed, one may consider contacting a personal injury attorney.