Medicate correctly to optimally meet health goals.
Oral prescription drugs and medicated lotions are striving to keep a person healthy with type 2 diabetes. If medications are not managed well, optimal health goals will not be met.
Listen, read, and follow doctor’s orders. Each person is evaluated individually and treated specifically for their health condition. One size does not fit everyone.
Do not skip doses or stop a medication without notifying your primary care physician.
Beware and write down interactions and side effects with medications and foods. Immediately contact a medical professional with any adverse reactions.
Use the same pharmacy for prescriptions refills and new orders.
Clarify with a pharmacist:
- To understand instructions on pill containers.
- If the refill looks different in any way from a previous prescription. Many pills look similar in color and size.
- Is the pill safe to cut in half? Breaking off pieces or cutting could be harmful if not taken in the correct form.
- Pill sharing is not an option.
The original container should be used at all times and stored in a cabinet away from hot temperature, direct sun, and moisture and out of sight of visitors, children, and pets for safety reasons.
Not everyone has a perfect vision and knowledge of medical terminology. If clarification is needed, do not feel uncomfortable bringing each drug, non-prescription medication, and vitamin into the pharmacy or doctor to clarify questions. Do not hesitate to ask a family member or close friend to come with you (extra set of ears and eyes).
Never use expired products. Expiration dates are in place for a reason. If the product is beyond the expiration date, it may not fulfill its purpose to help a person meet their health requirements.
At no time purchase medicine on the internet claiming to cure. The internet is a gold mine of information, but there is a price to pay for believing everything you read. Involve family and close friends but go with your “gut feeling” if something doesn’t sound right. Never mix a prescription with an alternative medicine without checking with your primary care physician.
Keep a phone number file on emergency (911), doctor, and pharmacy at home and in the car and use a desk or smartphone calendar to keep track of doses and appointments. Pill organizers, kitchen timers, alarm clocks, and smartphone apps are examples of reminders.
There is never a medical question that doesn’t deserve an answer.
Thank you for reading. :-)
Disclaimer: My food and nutrition articles are for informational purposes only. Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance and orders.
