
Understanding medicine labels is a vital part of maintaining your health. 2021’s Talk
About Your Medicines Month (TAYMM) theme was Understanding Medicine Labels – Making sense of your meds. Although 2021’s TAYMM is over, the importance of Understanding Medicine Labels continues – so read on!
Our goal is to empower patients to maximize the benefits while minimizing the risks of the
medications they are taking and provide the tools they need to talk about their medications.
Medicines can make you feel better. To make sure you are being safe with your meds, maximizing the benefits and minimizing the risks, you must understand the label. Drug Facts Labels help you avoid side effects, prevent medication interactions and more. Labels also instruct you in how to properly take the medicine.
Did you know those who understand their meds are more likely to take them? Yet, many are challenged with literacy or visual difficulties and cannot read or understand the labels or FDA consumer medication information. AudibleRx solves this problem by making it possible for everyone to understand their medication, take it as prescribed, and ultimately lead healthier lives.
Medicine Labels Made Simple
Oh Those OTCs!
You may not be taking any prescriptions, but all over-the-counter (OTC) medications are still drugs and still require you to follow the label. Begin by making sure you know how to read a drug facts label. Additionally, learn to understand elements of the OTC medicine labels including uses, warnings, and directions. Remember: whatever you ingest that is not a food should be considered a medicine. This includes vitamins, supplements, herbal remedies, etc.
There’s no time like the present to start a conversation with your family about responsible OTC use. We suggest printing and hanging this handy one-pager on your fridge!
There is a ton of important info on prescription drug labels. Navigating and understanding them is the only way to ensure your safety.
Script Label Safety
Drug Label Tips for Older Adults, Caregivers and Kids
As we age, our bodies process medicines differently. That’s why drug facts labels and package inserts are crucial in Medication Management for Older Adults. Note: if you are caring for someone and have concerns about their meds, don’t change the way they take their prescriptions without talking to their provider. And, keep in mind older people tend to have more chronic illnesses such as arthritis, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis, necessitating many different drugs which can prove challenging. Patients struggling with specific diagnoses such as kidney disease may have to address medication management differently. Ask your provider details about the meds the diagnosis requires and don’t forget about food labels! They’ll indicate the amount of supplements such as calcium and vitamin D you’re getting from your diet.
Not sure if an older adult in your life needs medicine support? Ask and refer to these basic tips and checklists for caregivers.
Children also break down medicines differently. If caring for sick kids, learn how to use meds appropriately. Whether parenting or pregnant, it’s crucial to pay attention to what goes into your body — especially when it comes to acetaminophen (sold as Tylenol and other brand names.) These Medication Safety Tips outline how to keep kids safe around medicines; this college resource guide helps familiarize students with med labels.
When it comes to OTC pain meds, take less than two minutes to familiarize yourself with the drug facts label, be sure to Get Relief Responsibly® and learn what to do if you are experiencing pain with your cold or flu.
Be aware that acetaminophen is in 600+ medicines. Find out which ones and always read the label!
Spotlight: Pain Meds & Acetaminophen
Downloadables
- BeMedWise MUST Remember: 10 Tips to Help Remind You to Stay on Schedule
- BeMedWise: 10 Questions to Ask About Your Meds
- GetReliefResponsibly Dosage Charts
- GetReliefResponsibly Free Printable Resources
- GetReliefResposibly NSAID Warnings
- GetReliefResponsibly: Understand Your OTC Medicine Labels
- KnowYourDose: Acetaminophen The Most Common Drug Ingredient
- KnowYourDose: Pain with Your Cold or Flu
- Think It Through: A Guide to Managing the Benefits and Risks of Medicines
- Rx Outreach: Understanding Prescription Medication Labels
- Safe Kids WorldWide: Medication Safety Tips
- Scholastic: OTC Medicine Safety