Medications



Prescription Drugs
These are drugs that have to be given the right
 to use them in order to buy them. You would have to go to your doctor to get a prescription. He has to okay it, and give you the signed prescription paper.

Generic Prescription Drugs
These are drugs that also have to be given the right by the doctor to prescribe it to you.Generic drugs have all of the same ingredients in the name brand drug. The only difference in these  drugs is the appearance. It has a different  label, color, shape, and name. Also these drugs are a lot cheaper than the name brand drugs.


On page 92 in our textbooks, it states the requirements that a generic drug must have. Some of these include...
*Must show that the drug delivers the same amount of active ingredient in the same time frame as the original product does.
*The FDA requires generics to have the same quality, strength, purity, and stability as the brand name drugs.
*The FDA requires that all drugs to be safe and effective and that their benefits out weigh their risks.
*The FDA will not permit drugs to be made in substandard facilities. The agency conducts about 3,000 inspections a year to ensure standards are met.

Counterfeit Drugs
These are drugs that are sold falsely under brand names.  The packaging is very similar to the original, but they do not provide the true information. "Counterfeiting can include sticking fraudulent labels on expired drugs, filling vials with water, and putting adulterants like chalk into medicine packets. Many counterfeit drugs originate outside the US with India and China being prominent sources(p.96)."
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/CounterfeitMedicine/default.htm

How to Protect Yourself 

(FDA)

• Only buy from state-licensed pharmacy websites located in the U.S.
• Don't buy from websites that sell prescription drugs without a prescription.
• Don't buy from websites that offer to prescribe a drug for the first time without a physical exam by your doctor or by answering an online questionnaire.
• Check with your state board of pharmacy or the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy to see if an online pharmacy has a valid pharmacy license and meets state quality standards.
• Look for privacy and security policies that are easy to find and easy to understand.
• Don't give any personal information—such as a social security number, credit card information, or medical or health history—unless you are sure the website will keep your information safe and private.
• Use legitimate websites that have a licensed pharmacist to answer your question.
• Make sure that the website will not sell your personal information, unless you agree.

Dispsposing Un-Used medicines


It is very important to dispose unused or expired medicines properly. This is because if they are thrown away or flushed down the toilet, they can get into our septic systems and may get into the water supply. "This can result in human consumption of small amounts of drugs. " http://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm101653.htm


Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Conventional Medicine
"undergone extensive testing in multiple trials and has been shown to exceed some agreed-upon standards of safety and effectiveness. It is practiced by holders of Doctor of Medicine (MD)."

CAM- Complimentary and Alternative Medicine

"Alternative medicine is any of a wide range of health care practices, products and therapies, using methods of medical diagnosis and treatments which, at least up to the end of the twentieth century, were typically not included in the degree courses of established medical schools teaching western medicine in the tradition of the Flexner Report or similar. Examples include homeopathy, Ayurveda, chiropractic and acupuncture.


Complementary medicine is alternative medicine used together with conventional medical treatment, in a belief, not proven by using scientific methods, that it increases the effectiveness, or "complements", the treatment. CAM is the abbreviation for Complementary and alternative medicine. Integrative medicine (or integrative health) is the combination of the practices and methods of alternative medicine with evidence-based medicine.^"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_medicine


Lecture Question
What type of alternate medications have you tried or would you consider trying? How did you prepare or would you prepare for it?
 I have not tried any alternate medications. I would consider trying it. If it was to help and relieve stress I defiantly would! I know my aunt has done acupuncture and she said that it worked really well. To prepare for this I would make sure I did my research and pick a doctor that will be beneficial to me. Then I would go in with a positive attitude and hope to come out with positive results!

 Reflection

I think I am doing really well this semester. I have turned all my work in on time. The only thing I would really improve on would be my time management. Even though I turn my work in on time, I do leave it to the last minute. Therefore a few days before the module ends, I stress. Not only in this class, but every class. Procrastination has defiantly got me!! I do look forward to completing the learning journal. This is because I like to look up videos and information and put it to use! I really learn very well from this! Also I have learned to complete the learning journal before the quiz. I have noticed that my grade is much better doing!