In fact, the FDA defines medication as “A substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease.” However, if not handled safely, medications can also cause serious problems ranging from an upset stomach to deadly complications. It is important to understand the steps you should take to safely handle and use all of your medications.

There is a variety of wording used when describing medications. Medications that are called “over the counter” or OTC are medications that can be bought at a store without a prescription. Examples of OTC medications include cold and flu medicine, pain and fever medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, allergy meds, sleep aids, and even some medications to treat indigestion. Prescription medications are only available when specific name, dose, and instructions are provided by a healthcare provider. A healthcare provider sends this information to a pharmacy for dispensing, and these medications may be used for long term health problems like blood pressure or cholesterol management, or more short term health problems such as infections that need antibiotics. Then there are also supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and herbs that are available over the counter. Supplements must be carefully considered as they are not routinely FDA approved for safety or labeling before being sold to consumers. Many supplements have a valuable role in health promotion and disease management, treatment and prevention. It is important to remember that all medications-over the counter, prescription and supplements-have both risks and benefits and should be discussed with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for an individual.

There are also brand name medications and generic name medications. Generic names refer to the active ingredients in a medication, and the brand name is the name given by the pharmaceutical companies. There are brand and generic names for prescription medications and over the counter medications. For example, within one aisle of any drug store, you may find a bottle of Motrin (made by Johnson and Johnson) and Advil (made by GlaxoSmithKline). Both Motrin and Advil, contain the active ingredient ibuprofen, which you will also find in a bottle along the brand name options. Generic and brand name medications typically work the same way, but often the generic are less expensive. There are also combination medications, such as cold remedies, that will list numerous generic medication names in the ingredients. Complete labels, including ingredients, should be reviewed for all of your medications to ensure that you know all of the ingredients in your medications.

It is vitally important to discuss all medications with your health care provider so risks such as ingredient interactions, allergies, and complications can be reviewed at every appointment. There may be repeat in active ingredients that could result in an overdose. There could also be interactions with multiple active ingredients that could make a medication less effective or more dangerous. Since most medication ingredients are metabolized in the liver and kidneys, labs that show liver and kidney function should be considered into medication safety for any individual. By working together, you can ensure the safest treatment plan with the least amount of risk. And remember, it is important that medications be taken only by the person it was prescribed for, and according to instructions provided by the provider.

Remember these tips with every medication and every provider visit to keep yourself and your loved ones safe when dealing with medications:

  • Take medication as prescribed.
  • Take only medication prescribed/advised to you, and do not share with others
  • Keep an updated list of active medications including vitamins, minerals, and herbs you use and allergies
  • Read all labels
  • Ask questions
  • Safely dispose of medications at approved locations
  • Store your medicines in a cool, dry place where children and pets can’t see or reach them