Be Careful - Read Everything!

Did you know that there are over 1600 prescription medications. Out of the top 150 medications that are prescribed most often, 8 of them start with the letter Z.

Zanaflex – short term management of spasticity
Zantac – short term treatment of duodenal ulcer
Zelnorm – for women with irritable bowel syndrome
Zestril – a heart medication
Zetia – reduces cholesterol
Zitromax – treatment of infection from pneumonia
Zocur – reduces cholesterol
Zypresza – treatment for schizophrenia

Don’t forget about Xanax (sounds like a Z) – controls anxiety.

How easy would it be to get any of these confused with another? What if you go to your doctor, and he gives you the wrong prescription? You may have a claim against your doctor, but you may not be alive to pursue it.

I wrote another article – The #1 Rule in Boxing – Protect Yourself at All Times. This Rule applies whenever you are dealing with prescription medication. It is very easy for a physician to make a mistake and just as easy for the pharmacy to make a mistake in dispensing the medication.

Make sure you get a copy of your office visit with your physician. Read you’re your prescription form before you leave the doctor’s office. Make a copy of the prescription form and add it to your medical records file. Make sure you read the label on the bottle that the pharmacy gives you.

If you are having any problem after you start taking the medication, call your doctor or go to a hospital immediately – you may have been given the wrong medication.

Keep track of your medications, the name, dosage and how often you take it. An innocent error may cause you your life!

Remember: It's your life – take charge – today!!!