Understanding your medications and prescriptions
Your doctor may prescribe you medicine as part of your treatment. Medications are prepared at a drugstore or pharmacy. Find out how to fill your medical prescription and understand how to take it.
What is a medication?
Medicines are substances that treat or manage sickness and disease. Sometimes they help to stop symptoms when you are ill. Americans call medicine “medications” or “drugs.” Sometimes they say “prescription drugs” to be clear that they are not talking about illegal drugs. Doctors write medical prescriptions for these prescription drugs.
What are medical prescriptions?
Medical prescriptions are orders for medicine. The prescription is a note from your doctor you can take to the pharmacy or drugstore so that the pharmacist knows you can have this medication.
What is a pharmacy?
A pharmacy is a place where pharmacists prepare medical prescriptions and sell medicines. You can tell your provider the name and address of a pharmacy that is convenient for you. All drugstores, many hospitals and clinics, and some supermarkets have pharmacies.
Both your doctor and pharmacist should confirm that you understand how to take your medication. If you are confused or have any questions or doubts, ask! They will want to help you understand.
What is an over-the-counter medicine?
In some cases, the doctor may recommend an “over-the-counter” medication. Over-the-counter medications are medicines for which you don’t need a prescription. You can simply walk into any drugstore and buy them.
Generic and brand-name medications
Brand-name medications are medicines that are owned and sold under a specific company’s name. They are frequently newer medicines or drugs for specialized conditions.
Generic medications are cheaper versions of brand-name medications that work the same as their brand-name counterparts. If your doctor writes you a prescription for a medication, it’s usually a good idea to ask if there is a generic version available because it will save you money.
Follow your doctor’s instructions
Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding your medical prescriptions. Here are some simple tips for you to follow:
- Write down all the medications that you take, and write down whether they are prescribed by a doctor or if they are over-the-counter medications.
- List any vitamins or other supplements you take.
- Always take your medication at the same time of day and according to the doctor’s instructions.
- Ask your doctor how you need to take them – for example, with water, with food, or on an empty stomach.
- Always store medications in a cool and dry place. Do not share your medications with others.
- Tell your doctor if you have any allergies or side effects.
| Both your doctor and pharmacist should help you understand how to take your medication. If you are confused or have any questions or doubts, just ask them. They will want to help you stay safe and make sure take the right medicine and dose. |
How can I pay for my prescription?
Most health insurance plans pay for prescription medications. Both Medicaid and Medicare cover the cost of prescriptions. You may have to make a co-payment for certain medications.
If you do not have health insurance, you can look into pharmacy programs that offer discounts and coupons. Learn more about your health insurance insurance options.
که تاسو د خپګان یا اضطراب احساس کوئ، تاسو یواځي نه یاست. د رواني روغتیا په اړه او دا چې څنګه مرسته وغواړئ په اړه يې معلومات ترلاسه کړئ. په دې اړه معلومات ولرئ چې چېري د کډوالو لپاره خدمات او ملاتړ ترلاسه کړئ.
زموږ موخه داده چې د پوهاوي لپاره اسانه معلومات وړاندې کړو چې په منظم ډول تازه کیږي. دا معلومات قانوني مشوره نه ده.
نور له USAHello څخه
د ځانګړو معلوماتو په لټه کې یاست؟
