Communicating with your health care professional can help keep you safe

Many people who get a prescription from their doctor don't think twice before adding it to their daily routine. They might glance at the dosage, but never give a second thought to what other factors go into a good prescription. Yet, there are many personal habits and health concerns that must be addressed before committing to a particular type of medicine. The National Council on Patient Information and Education suggests that you maintain regular communication with your doctor or pharmacist about the following issues:

• Any ongoing or past medical conditions, and the overseeing doctor;
• The names of all medicines you are currently taking, including sleeping aids, laxatives, vitamins, herbal remedies, pain relievers, and both prescription and non-prescription medicines;
• Any problems you've experienced with certain types of medications;
• Any known allergies to medicines or substances;
• If you are, or could become, pregnant.

Each of these items represents an important part of your prescription health, and having open communication with your health care professional can help to ensure that you do not take a potentially harmful medication. Many people do not realize that their small day-to-day habits and their "non-medications" such as dietary supplements can impact the effectiveness of any new medication. Be sure to talk about these issues with your doctor, and, as always, show him or her your True Dental Discounts, discount prescription card to guarantee you're getting the best prescriptions for your money.