Busting Medication Myths with Starwood Pharmacy
Confused about a medication or two? When do I stop taking this prescription? There’s nothing to fear! The Starwood Pharmacy Team has researched some common myths about medications to find out if they’re true or busted!
If I start feeling better, I can stop taking my antibiotics.
Even if you start feeling better a day or two after beginning antibiotics, it's important not to stop the medication. Even if your symptoms are improving, it doesn't mean the bacteria causing the infection has been fully eliminated. In fact, some bacteria may develop resistance to the antibiotic if it's stopped early, potentially requiring stronger antibiotics in the future.
If the medication is prescribed to me, that means I should take it around-the-clock
If a medication's directions indicate "as needed", such as for muscle cramps, pain, or nausea, it does not need to be taken unless you are experiencing those symptoms. If the symptoms have resolved, the medication can be stopped for the time being and then restarted when the symptoms return.
All natural products, supplements, and vitamins are safe to take since they are natural products
Natural products, supplements, and vitamins do not go through the same approval process as medications do, therefore they are not as studied and tested in terms of efficacy and side effects. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting any new natural products or supplements. It is also important to note that providers should be made aware of any over-the-counter products you take, because these products can also have drug interactions with prescription medications.
If my pain persists, I can take more pain medicine until the pain alleviates
You should not take more pain medicine than prescribed. Depending on the properties of the medication, taking more than prescribed/recommended may lead to damage to the kidneys/liver, or even lead to overdose causing respiratory depression. If the prescribed dose is not alleviating the pain, the provider should be consulted to adjust the dose accordingly.
If my oral tablet medication is too potent for me, I can just break it in half
Some medications contain special mechanisms that may be affected if broken in half, thus not have the intended effect. For instance, most extended-release tablets are intended to be absorbed over a period of time, but tampering with the pill can disrupt this mechanism and potentially cause unwanted side effects.
If I have stomach discomfort or dizziness from my medication, I am allergic to it
Stomach discomfort, which may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, are often common side effects for many medications. Dizziness, drowsiness, and headaches are other symptoms that may also occur after taking medications. These are not in fact allergies, but side effects. However, if you are unable to tolerate the side effects, the provider should be made aware so that they can explore alternative options.