If you or a loved one are taking prescription drugs, it is important to use them safely. Medications can do a lot of good, but as a prescription drugs lawyer TN trusts, I know they can also cause serious side effects and interact with each other in very dangerous ways.

In fact, drug overdoses are now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Believe it or not, more Americans die of drug overdoses than in car accidents each year.

Here are 5 quick safety tips to help you and your family avoid injury when using prescription drugs.

Prescription Drug Safety Tips

1. Communicate with your healthcare providers.

One of the best ways to prevent prescription drug problems is good communication with your healthcare providers. If you are prescribed medication, ask your doctor for the name of the drug, what its purpose is, how often to take it, and what the side effects are. The more you know, the easier it is to stay safe.

2. Keep a list

Keep a list of all the medications you currently take or have taken recently. Make sure to include both prescription and non-prescription drugs. Remember, certain medications can be dangerous to take together or with certain foods or beverages. Take the list with you to all of your medical appointments so your doctors know all the medications you are taking (yes, even the dentist!). 

Keep this list up to date and make sure a backup person has the list as well in case of emergency.

3. Use one pharmacist you trust.

Using multiple pharmacists for your medications can be confusing for them and for you. Try to fill your prescriptions from one pharmacy so they can track your prescription history. This way, any potentially harmful drug interactions can be easily checked. For example, if you’re already taking a prescription drug but need another medication – even aspirin or cough medicine – a primary pharmacist can help you determine if there are any concerns. 

If you need to use a different pharmacist because of an emergency or travel, make sure to keep a record and update your primary pharmacist when you can.

4. Look out for changes.

Be aware of the side effects and adverse effects of any drugs you are taking and actively monitor yourself for changes.  If you have a new symptom after taking a new drug, don’t assume it’s a “new condition” or “old age”. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away. It could be adverse effects from the drug itself or an interaction with another drug you already take. Tell your doctor how new drugs affect you and whether there’s been a change for better or worse. 

5. Keep the medications in a safe place at home.

Store all medications separate from other household goods that they could be confused for – such as supplements, pet vitamins, cleaning supplies and hygiene products. Plus, it should go without saying, keep all medicine out of reach and out of sight of children. 

If you’ve been injured due to medication, talk to a prescription drugs lawyer TN trusts for FREE.

Even with all of these precautions, sometimes the worst can still happen. If you or someone you care for has been injured by their medications – prescription or otherwise – you may be entitled to compensation.

Contact us online or give us a call at (901) 327-2100 for a FREE, no strings-attached-consultation. Our team of compassionate lawyers is here to walk you through every step of the process and get you the justice you deserve. Reach out to us today to hear how we can help you get the compensation you’re entitled to, so you can focus on recovery.