MEDICATION·EDUCATION
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Medication Info

• Managing Medication

  Information and tools for becoming a better consumer of medications.

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• Using Medications Safely

  Tips for getting the best and safest use out of your medications.

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• Avoiding Misuse

  Common concerns and advice toward proper use of medications.

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• Resources

  We only reference credible, verified links from governmental institutions, evidence-based guidelines, research groups, and consumer resources.

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Trending Topics

Sun, Fun, Medications, and Protection.

Considering summer is coming up and you may spend more time outside, the purpose of this topic is to educate you on how to properly protect your skin from any adverse reactions that some of your common medications, such as antibiotics, may cause when you are exposed to sunlight. Please click here to read more.

CDC Releases New Information for 2016-2017 Influenza Season

Getting an annual flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalization.

The more people who get vaccinated, the more people will be protected from flu, including older people, very young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions who are more vulnerable to serious flu complications.

• What’s new this flu season?
• Only injectable flu shots are recommended for use this season.
• Flu vaccines have been updated to better match circulating viruses.
• There will be some new vaccines on the market this season.
• The recommendations for vaccination of people with egg allergies have changed.

What flu vaccines are recommended this season?

This season, only injectable flu vaccines (flu shots) should be used.

Read more on the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2016-2017.htm

No more excuses—you need a flu vaccine.

Overdose Rescue Drug Now Available Without Prescription

Pharmacists can furnish naloxone for opoioid overdose - see the full California State Board of Pharmacy media release here.

 

• ADHD Medications

  Stimulants and non-stimulant medications are prescribed to promote self-sufficiency by improving attention span and focus as well as regulating impulsive behavior.

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• Antidepressants

  Antidepressants effectively alleviate symptoms of depression but not everyone responds the same way to all medications. Talk with your healthcare provider about what works best for you.

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• Antibiotics

  Take antibiotics only when prescribed, as directed, for the full duration of treatment. Improper use of antibiotics often leads to the proliferation of drug-resistant bacteria.

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• Contraceptives

  There are many methods of birth control, however; many factors play a role in determining which method is best for you. Discuss birth control options with your healthcare provider.

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Quick Links

Managing Medications

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications

• The Truth About Herbal Medications and dietary supplements.
• Do you have a tablet or pill you want to identify?

Administering Your Medication

• Reading the Drug Facts label.
• Using medications that are NOT tablets or capsules.
• Need help keeping track of your medications and when to take them?

Vaccination and Preventative Recommendations

• What about medications for my medical condition?
• #GetTheFluVaccine

Using Medications Safely

Safe Disposal of Medications and Sharps

• Find out how and where to dispose of medications and home-generated sharps safely.

What Should I Know About These Medications?

• Stimulants
• Antidepressants
• Antibiotics
• Contraceptives
• Vitamin D

Drug Interactions

• Food and drug interactions.
• Does alcohol have any affect on my medications?

What to Discuss with Healthcare Providers

• How can I learn about my medications?
• Are there more specific questions I should ask about my medications?
• What does your pharmacist want to tell you?

Facts vs. Myths

• MYTH: Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are NOT harmless.
• FACT: Herbal supplements can interact dangerously with medicines.
• FACT: Doubling up on the dose can lead to serious and harmful side effects.
• FACT: Medicines taken incorrectly can cause dangerous or fatal reactions.

Avoiding Medication Misuse

Facts and Statistics

• Prescription drug abuse is a national epidemic.
• Prescription drugs are NOT a safe alternative to illicit/illegal street drugs.

Legal Ramifications

• Taking prescription medications prescribed for someone else is illegal.

Preventing Substance Abuse

• What's the difference between misuse and abuse?
• Share Ideas, Not Medications.

Resources

• Need more info about managing medications?
• Do you want tips for using medications safely?
• Want to learn more about avoiding medication misuse?

MedEd Quiz

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