Fun Pharmacy History:
- The Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy in Florence, Italy, is the oldest still-operating pharmacy in the world, and features 800-year-old recipes.
- It was established in 1221 when the Dominican Monks for the adjacent Basilica of Santa Maria Novella began growing herbs to make balms, salves, and medicines for their infirmary.
Some Important Medication Facts:
- Nearly half of American adults take a prescription medicine.
- More than 20 percent of Americans take at least three medications each day.
- More than six of every 10 people are not aware of the risks associated with the medicines they take.
- Up to 50% of all prescriptions fail to work because they are used improperly.
- It is estimated that adverse drug reactions are the 4th to 6th leading cause of death in the U.S.
Medication Safe Use Tips:
It is important that you be informed about the drugs you are taking and that you take them properly. Your pharmacist can help by providing you with information about prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Ask your pharmacist!
- Keep an updated list of all your medications. The list should include all the medicines you take, including prescriptions, non-prescription medicines, vitamins and supplements.
- Read labels and other educational aids carefully. The medication label has limited space, so read the package insert or information sheet that comes with your medicine to get all the facts.
- Don’t share or borrow medications. Prescription medicines are meant for you and you alone.
- Store medicines in a secure location, out of reach and sight of children, guests, and pets. Store medications in a cool, dark, and dry place.
- Do not stop taking your medications without direction from your healthcare provider. If you stop your medication prematurely, it can put you at risk for your symptoms to recur or worsen.
Source: www.bemedwise.org (National Council on Patient Information and Education)