Prescription Vs Over The Counter Medicines

Question 1

What are prescription medicines?

Answer 1

FDA approved
Prescription from a doctor to pharmacy
Treats serious health conditions (are powerful)
Never be taken without a doctor’s recommendation

Question 2

What is on the prescription label?

Answer 2

The dosage
When and how often the medicine should be taken
The length of time the medicine should be taken

Question 3

What is sharing medicine harmful?

Answer 3

May not have the same illness
May be allergic
May need a different dosage

Question 4

How is drug abuse harmful?

Answer 4

Taking medicine when not needed
Taking too much medication
Mixing medicines without the doctor’s knowledge

Question 5

What are over the counter medicines?

Answer 5

FDA regulated
No doctors prescription
Can be found in many stores
Used to treat symptoms of common illnesses, injuries, or disorders
Can be dangerous if used improperly

Question 6

How can you make smart decisions about over the counter medicine purchase?

Answer 6

Verify list of uses on the label
Medicines may not share the same purpose even if they appear similar
Heed warnings on the label

Question 7

Generic vs brand name

Answer 7

Brand is the company who produced the original medicine

Generic has the same active ingredients but different fillers (color, coating, flavor, etc.)

Question 8

How can otc drugs be misused?

Answer 8

Treat, symptoms, not diseases

Could cover up serious medical conditions that need proper treatment and care