| Question: |
Refills: It says on my prescription under refills: PRN. What does that
mean? |
| Answer: |
In the state of Oregon a prescription with this listed can be filled
up to 1 year from the date it was written. Except for controlled
substances, (usually pain medications,) which are valid for 6mo. from the date it was
written. |
|
PRN means "As needed." |
|
Depending on the way the prescription is written, there could
also be additional restrictions to follow. For example; as in number of
refills permitted. I suggest that if you have "PRN" listed always consult
with your Pharmacist to make sure you understand the restrictions regarding
your individual prescriptions.
|
| Question: |
On my prescription label it states I should "take this by mouth once a
day." Do I need to take it at the same time everyday or does it make a difference if some days I take them when I get up or take them with lunch? |
| Answer: |
One a day dosing generally means the medication should be taken once every 24 hrs. So it should be taken approximately the same time every day. It is best that you talk to your physician or pharmacist to find out what time of day is best for you to take a specific medication.
|
| Question: |
My elderly mother is on multiple prescriptions. One says "twice daily"
and one says "three times daily." To make it easier for her would it be OK
for her to take the "twice daily" and "three times daily" with breakfast and
repeat at lunch, and then at dinner she would take the last of the "three
times daily"? |
| Answer: |
No...A person on multiple medications should talk with their
physician or pharmacist about a dosage schedule that would work best for
them. For example some medications should be taken on an empty stomach.
This could be 1 hour prior to a meal or 2 hours after a meal. Also some
medications should not be taken with in a certain amount of time of each
other.
|
| Question: |
Do "Over the counter" medications interfere with prescription medications? |
| Answer: |
Yes! .. Your physician should be aware of "any" over the counter
medication or vitamins that you take on a regular basis.
|
| Question: |
I have had prescriptions in the past written with instruction to take
them "three times daily" and also "four time daily." Does it matter how far
apart I take the medication or only that I get the 3 or 4 doses taken with in
a 24 hour period? |
| Answer: |
Yes it does matter! Generally "three times daily" means every 8
hours and "four times daily" means every 6 hours. Any questions regarding
the timing of your medications should be discussed with your physician or
pharmacist.
|
| Question: |
What is meant by "Generic Drug"? |
| Answer: |
Generally a "generic Drug" is a medication made by another company
that does not hold the patent for the name brand drug. The active ingredients are identical in the generic and the name brand products and the
generic can be purchased at a reduced price compared to the name brand.
|
| Question: |
What information does my Pharmacy need to fill my prescription? |
| Answer: |
Correct spelling of your name. |
|
Your address and phone number |
|
Date of birth |
|
If you have prescription insurance, your "current" insurance card. |
|
With some medications they may need to know your height and
weight, especially if for a child. |
|
Any known allergies. |
|
If this is not your regular pharmacy, they will need to
know what other prescriptions you may be on and also over the counter items
and vitamins you may be using.
|
| Question: |
Do you do Compounding? |
| Answer: |
Yes. We do a variety of dosage forms. Working with physician
and patient to come up with the best solution for the individual need.
|
| Question: |
What is meant by Compounding? |
| Answer: |
Basically making a product that is not commercially
produced. For example, a particular strength is not available. The product
perhaps is no longer produced. Also the dosage form may not be available.
It may not come in liquid, topical or suppository form any longer.
|
| Question: |
Why would they stop making a drug I have been on for years when it has
been working fine? |
| Answer: |
For a product to be economically made commercially, at
least 100,000 people need to be using that product. If new medications come
out and these numbers fall below what is profitable, the manufacturer with
discontinue production.
|
| Question: |
Where can I get
help with the cost of medicine and other healthcare expenses? |
| Answer: |
Information regarding programs which may help you with healthcare expenses can be found at
Needymeds. |
