The Drug Pamphlet Part 2

Reading all of the information and instructions that come with medications or prescriptions can feel kind of overwhelming. No matter how you approach it, I’ve got some personal ideas about how to deal with it. Here are my tips for surviving The Drug Pamphlet. Curious to know more about what might be in the pamphlet that accompanies your medication, read more here.

Ignorance is bliss?

Don’t read it. Some people don’t want to know. You may put total trust in your doctor and/or pharmacist. Good for you! Relax and move on.

Get out the magnifying glass

Some of us love reading the fine print. We want details. I think the tiny letters ensure that only the truly interested folks will take time to read it. Get ready, some of this is super teeny and requires a bright reading lamp.

Recycle

After it has been read, (or not) you can recycle. Put it out with the paper trash. Use it for compost. I personally make arts and crafts. It is thick enough, and makes a lightweight paper Mache. It can also be painted. If you live in the south, there are better uses. Since it has already got the accordion pleat fold, use it as a fan. It works great when you’re trying to cool down a patch of hot spots from eczema.

Get past the heavy language

In other words, you may need a medical dictionary. This could become a vocabulary lesson. Of course, you will probably never use these words. You may find a way to work them into a casual conversation. Example: The toxicology of the eczema medicine has proven to be less than .01% even when taken 1000% over the recommended dosage.

Cliff Claven Warning

If you decide to inform your friends and loved ones about all you have learned, be prepared. Cliff Claven, a character in the Cheers sit-com, was the resident know-it-all. Always ready to quote bits of information, he stopped any conversation dead in it’s tracks with trivia. If people start to avoid you, maybe it’s time to slow down the pamphlet quoting.

Guru Grandma

Then again, I know for sure that some of the expertise gained while reading was valuable to my loved ones. I knew exactly how to take or apply the meds. I laid it all out step by step. Now, 16 years later, I’m proud to say that the glowing skinned teenager was helped by my wisdom.

Knowledge In

Take in the information and store the best parts of it that you can reassure yourself with. If it is instructional and gives you or your loved on relief, hang on to it.

Fear Out

Discard any warnings that don’t apply to you. Now, let go of those that may apply, but can’t be changed. For example, if a slight percentage of people had a negative side effect, make a note to watch for it. Then let it go. Harboring fear does not help anyone.

It’s all about finding balance, and sometimes humor while taking new medications. Knowledge is helpful. Fear is not. Know what to watch for. Put trust in your doctor’s advice. Ask your pharmacist any questions about their experience. Then use the medication with confidence.