There’s no guarantee that medicine prescribed by your doctor won’t be harmful if misused. Even supplements can be harmful if they aren’t taken as directed. Have you ever seen these warnings commonly found on prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications?
- It may cause drowsiness.
- Use caution when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery.
- Dizziness may occur.
Think about how dangerous it would be to perform some of your daily tasks if you were drowsy, dizzy, or lack coordination. It is strongly advised that you do not operate motorized equipment if you take medications that affect your cognitive function. It can also be hazardous to work with power tools while on certain types of medication. Remember that prescription or over-the-counter medications can affect your ability to perform your job safely.
Before taking any medication, you should read the label. Just as you wouldn’t work with a hazardous material without first reading the safety data sheet (SDS), you should also read the label before putting anything into your body. There is a lot of information on labels that can save your life, such as the correct use of the medicine, warnings, possible side effects, directions on how to take it, how much to take, drug interactions, and other dos and don’ts. Make sure you read and understand everything about the medication before taking it.
Asking questions along with reading the label is also helpful. If your doctor prescribes medication, let them know what you do for a living and ask about the side effects of the medication. Talk to your pharmacist if you are taking over-the-counter medications. Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any other medications you take, including vitamins and other supplements, to prevent dangerous drug interactions.
Be sure to follow all directions and recommendations carefully. For example, some medications must be taken with food, while others must be taken before bed or in the morning. Some pills should not be chewed or crushed and should be swallowed whole. Many medicine labels will warn you not to drink alcohol while taking the modification. Take your medication exactly as directed and never exceed the recommended dosage. Drugs should never be misused or abused in any way. Do not give someone else your medicine or take medicine not prescribed to you.
Drugs don’t need to be illegal to be dangerous. Sometimes the safest thing you can do when you’re sick and taking medication is to stay at home and rest.
