July 2 , 2007

MEDICINE REMINDERS . . .
ALWAYS ask your doctor or pharmacist whether medication(prescription or over-the-counter) should be taken with food OR on an empty stomach. This can affect the drug's absorption. Some drugs interfere with nutrient absorption and vice versa, so if you take vitamin/mineral supplements, ask if it is okay to take them at the same time as your medication. When you go to a doctor always take with you a list of the prescriptions (or the bottles themselves) that you are currently taking. Some may have been given to you by another doctor.

Before splitting a prescription pill, ask your doctor or pharmacist how your body absorbs the pill. If it's an extended-release or coated tablet, it may not do its job when split. In addition, the active ingredient may not be spread evenly throughout the pill, so you may not get an accurate dose with a partial pill. If it is OK to split a tablet, use a pill splitter instead of a knife, which may not split the pill exactly. Pharmacies sell the splitters.

AND be aware that exercise can affect and be affected by some medicines.

NEVER take someone else's medication!!

For comments, questions or suggestions . . . please email Allen