Take care with medicines
NPS Be Medicinewise Week 2012
In support of NPS Be Medicinewise Week 2012, the AMA is urging all Australians who are taking medicines, be they prescription or over the counter, to take the time to learn about their medications and to use them safely according to the prescription or the instructions.
AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said today that people should carefully follow the medicines advice provided by their family GP and to always consult their GP with any doubts or questions about their medication.
“When a doctor prescribes medication for a patient, it is important that the patient knows what the medicine is for and why it is important for it to be taken as directed,” Dr Hambleton said.
“Doctors can inform patients about the things to look out for to know that the medication is doing its job and, importantly, they can also tell people about the tell-tale things to look out for if the medication is having the wrong effect.”
Dr Hambleton said it is important for people to make note of when their doctor wants to review their condition to ensure that the medication is having the intended effect.
“The doctor will write a prescription for a certain period of time to make sure that the medication is the right one for the patient, and that the dose is correct,” Dr Hambleton said.
“The review is a vital part of patient care - it is crucial that people make a note in their diary and make an appointment to be reviewed by the doctor before the prescription runs out.
“The pharmacist will advise when the last repeat of a prescription has been dispensed, and this is a good time to make an advance appointment with the doctor for review. Doctors will advise patients if they do not need a further appointment when they finish their course of medication.
“If people take responsibility for managing their medicines, in partnership with their doctor and pharmacist, they will get the greatest benefit from their medicines and minimise any adverse events,” Dr Hambleton said.
More information on how to be responsible with medicines is available at www.nps.org.au/bemedicinewise
The NPS is holding a Be Medicinewise public event in Martin Place, Sydney, on Thursday 29 March from 7.00am to 3pm.
27 March 2012
CONTACT: John Flannery 02 6270 5477 / 0419 494 761
Kirsty Waterford 02 6270 5464 / 0427 209 753
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