Myths and Realities

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Myths and Realities
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Over-the-counter medications are safer than
prescription medications.

• REALITY All medications, even those sold without
  a prescription, may be harmful if not taken at
  the recommended dose or if taken with other
  substances, i.e., alcohol and certain
  medications.

• Poison Control Centers 1-800-222-1222
• 24 hours a day 7 days a week free of charge

3
Herbal remedies are safe because they are natural.

• REALITY Herbal remedies can interact with many
  types of medicines. They are not FDA approved for
  treatment of any kind. Always tell your doctor
  which herbal remedies you are taking.

• Poison Control Centers 1-800-222-1222
• 24 hours a day 7 days a week free of charge

4
Splitting pills is a safe way to save money.

• REALITY Not always. Some medicines are time
  released or coated to prevent nausea. Splitting
  pills could produce harmful side-effects or be
  ineffective. Check with your pharmacist to see
  which ones can and cant be split.

• Poison Control Centers 1-800-222-1222
• 24 hours a day 7 days a week free of charge

5
Children can take adult medication, just in
smaller doses.

• REALITY Children react differently than adults
  to the same medication. Always ask your child's
  doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about
  the correct dose of a medication.

• Poison Control Centers 1-800-222-1222
• 24 hours a day 7 days a week free of charge

6
The bathroom medicine cabinet is a good place to
store medications.

• REALITY Medicine cabinets are never a good place
  to store medications because they could become
  affected by heat and humidity. Put medicines in a
  dry, cool place away from sunlight and out of the
  reach of children.

• Poison Control Centers 1-800-222-1222
• 24 hours a day 7 days a week free of charge

7
Medications can be safely taken with any liquid.

• REALITY Liquids such as grapefruit or cranberry
  juice can change the effectiveness of the
  medication. Also check to see if alcohol should
  be avoided with your medications.

• Poison Control Centers 1-800-222-1222
• 24 hours a day 7 days a week free of charge

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Buying medications on the Internet is safe.

• REALITY Care should be used before purchasing
  Internet medication. Only buy medications from
  pharmacy Web sites that have the VIPPS (Verified
  Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites) symbol to make
  sure that the drugs have been approved, are not
  counterfeits, and meet US standards.

• Poison Control Centers 1-800-222-1222
• 24 hours a day 7 days a week free of charge

9
Sharing medication with other people for the same
ailment is okay.

• REALITY Its never okay to share something your
  doctor prescribed for you. The doctor takes many
  things into consideration such as age, weight,
  existing medical conditions and other
  prescriptions.

• Poison Control Centers 1-800-222-1222
• 24 hours a day 7 days a week free of charge

10
My doctor knows which medications I am taking.

• REALITY Not always. Review your complete list of
  prescriptions, over-the-counter medications,
  vitamins, and dietary supplements with your
  doctor at every visit.

• Poison Control Centers 1-800-222-1222
• 24 hours a day 7 days a week free of charge

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People on painkillers cannot work demanding
jobs or drive safely.

• REALITY If taken properly, prescription
  painkillers can help people function normally in
  their everyday lives.

• Poison Control Centers 1-800-222-1222
• 24 hours a day 7 days a week free of charge

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Addiction is inevitable if you take painkillers.

• REALITY You should not be afraid to use
  painkillers prescribed to you for valid medical
  reasons. If you are concerned, discuss this with
  your doctor.

• Poison Control Centers 1-800-222-1222
• 24 hours a day 7 days a week free of charge

13
If you dont like a medicine, you can stop taking
it at any time.

• REALITY Many medications can have adverse
  effects if stopped abruptly. Consult your doctor
  prior to stopping prescribed medicines.

• Poison Control Centers 1-800-222-1222
• 24 hours a day 7 days a week free of charge

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It's okay to combine medicines with alcohol.

• REALITY Many medicines can be dangerous when
  taken with alcohol in some cases making it
  difficult to breathe and even causing death.

• Poison Control Centers 1-800-222-1222
• 24 hours a day 7 days a week free of charge

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If a little bit of a drug is good, then a lot is
even better.

• REALITY Sometimes a little bit of a drug can be
  enough, but increasing the dosage can lead to
  undesirable and severe effects. Directions on the
  container or from the physician, nurse, or other
  care provider should always be followed
  precisely.

• Poison Control Centers 1-800-222-1222
• 24 hours a day 7 days a week free of charge

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Helpful drugs are legal, while harmful drugs are
illegal.

• REALITY Any drug has the potential to be harmful
  if not taken properly. Drugs with a higher
  potential for misuse are more strictly
  controlled.

• Poison Control Centers 1-800-222-1222
• 24 hours a day 7 days a week free of charge