Patients Are Encouraged To Consult Healthcare Professionals Before Discontinuing Medications

Main Category: Compliance
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 04 Apr 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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Patients concerned about recent news regarding the safety and efficacy of medications should seek guidance from their pharmacist, physician or other healthcare professional before they stop taking their medications.

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) strongly encourages patients to stay informed about their medications and ask their pharmacist or prescriber about any questions or concerns they may have about their medications. Patients should speak with their healthcare professional before stopping any prescribed medication. Physicians and pharmacists can help educate them about risks and benefits of medication, available treatment alternatives, proper ways to withdraw from medicines and ways to achieve optimal drug therapy.

APhA issues the following guidance:

-- Patients with questions are encouraged to talk to their pharmacist, physician or other healthcare provider about their medications. Take medication as indicated/directed and do not abruptly stop taking medications.

-- If you are advised by a healthcare professional to stop taking a medication, to properly dispose of unused medications:

- DO NOT FLUSH unused medications, except when expressly instructed by the label.
- To ensure children and pet protection, crush or dissolve medications in water (also applies to liquids) and mix with kitty litter or a solid kitchen substance (such as coffee grinds), then place in a sealed plastic bag and dispose.
- To ensure protection of your privacy, remove and destroy all identifying personal information (such as the prescription label) from the medication container.

For more about medication disposal visit http://www.SMARxTDISPOSAL.net

About the American Pharmacists Association (APhA)

The American Pharmacists Association, founded in 1852 as the American Pharmaceutical Association, represents more than 63,000 practicing pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and others interested in advancing the profession. APhA, dedicated to helping all pharmacists improve medication use and advance patient care, is the first-established and largest association of pharmacists in the United States. APhA members provide care in all practice settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, managed care organizations, hospice settings, and the military.

American Pharmacists Association