PAGE 8
HEALTH
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS (Continued from page 5)
INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS
Detailed information for patients does not have to
accompany most prescription drugs. But, for a few, such
as contraceptives and estrogens, the Food and Drug
Administration does require a leaflet or brochure that
tells about the benefits and risks of these products. If
there is such a brochure with a drug prescribed for you,
be sure to read it carefully and if you have questions, ask
your doctor or pharmacist.
Non-prescription drugs must include on their labels
information about when and how to take the product,
possible side effects or drug interactions. Always read
these labels before taking the medicine.
DRUG COSTS: BRAND VS. GENERIC
When a new drug is discovered it is patented and given a
brand, or trade name. The drug company has exclusive
rights to that product for 17 years. When the patent
expires, other companies may manufacture that drug
under another brand name or under the drugs' generic
or common name. These drugs often are less expensive
than the original drug.
Almost all states now permit pharmacists to dispense of
generic drug instead of a brand name product if the
doctor approves. However, not all drugs are available
from more than one company, and not all multisource
drugs are "therapeutically equivalent" - that is, behave
in the same way in the body.
The next time your doctor writes you a prescription, ask
if there is an approved generic version of the drug.
HOW TO GET THE BEST RESULTS FROM PRE
SCRIPTION DRUGS
Here are some tips to help you use prescription drugs
safely and effectively:
1. If a drug is not doing what it is supposed to do for you
check with your doctor. You may need a different
dosage or a different drug.
2. If you have an unexpected symptom - rash, nausea,
dizziness, headache - report it to your doctor immedi
ately. 3. Don't stop taking your medicine just because you're
feeling better. You may prevent the drug from doing its
work completely.
4. Check drug levels for specific instructions or warn
ings, such as "do not take on an empty stomach", or "do
not take with milk".
5. Check the label, or ask the pharmacist, for storing
instructions. Some drugs should be refrigerated; others
must be protected from light.
6. Always keep medicines out of the reach of children.
Even though most prescription medicines come in child
proof containers, children sometimes can open these
bottles and swallow the contents. (If you have difficulty
opening such safety caps, you can request bottles with
regular caps).
7. Never let another person use your medicine and never
take medicine prescribed for anyone else. You symp
toms may look the same, but you may be suffering from
an entirely different problem.
8. Never take medicines without checking the label to
make sure you're taking the right one. Don't take
medicines at night without turning on the light.
9. Don't transfer medicines from the original container.
These containers are designed to protect the drugs.
Fancy pill boxes are not always suitable.
10. Do not keep prescription drugs that are no longer
needed. Destroy leftover medicines by flushing them
down the toilet and dispose of containers carefully so
that children can't get them.
11. Keep a list of all drugs you are taking to show to
your doctor and your pharmacist.
12. If you are taking several different drugs and have
trouble remembering when and how to take them, your
pharmacist may be able to provide you with a handy
checklist.
Carol Terp
Community Health Nurse
Tribal Health Program.
NO! NO! KNOW! PUPPETS SPREAD THEIR MESSAGE
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LTOR- Shirley Arragon & Racky Raccoon, Joann McClary & Eager Beaver and Monte Ring and Crazy Coyote.
Racky Raccoon, Sammy Skunk, Eager Beaver, Ernie
Eagle, Running Bear, Gramma Turtle and Crazy Coyote
all participated in the NO! NO! KNOW! puppet presen
tation in the Grand Ronde Elementary School assembly,
on May 16, 1988.
The presentation consisted of Sharing of the Elements;
Cedar, Water, the Eagle Feather and the Drum. The
students told a legend about when and how to make
good decisions including how to say NO!, in appropriate
situations. The presentation ended with the whole
school doing the Round dance together.
On May 13, at the Willamina Middle School, the tribal
puppets again appeared, this time in a display at the
community fair and dinner. Many people viewed the
NO! NO! KNOW! puppet display and welcomed the
free hand-out material on alcohol prevention and
education.
Indian Week activities were fun for everyone here at
"Uptown Grand Ronde" this past week. Our Elders
and tribal Youth teamed up together and put on a good
puppet presentation Wednesday, May 18th, at the
Women's Support Group meeting at the tribal office.
These cute little animals are restless and want to be on
the move, so please welcome them when they come to
visit you in your town.
RECIPE FOR A SMILE!
Want to see a smile light up as bright as summer sun?
Take Grandpa to the ball game, LOVE is a HOME
RUN! -Gladys McKee
Respectfully, yours PreventionEducation Counselor
Margaret Provost