Key Concepts
Vocabulary: prescription medicines, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, medicine misuse, medicine abuse
Standards for Medicines
Main Idea: Medicines are regulated to make them safe.
All new medicines in the United States must meet standards set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Before approving a drug for use, the FDA receives information about a medicine’s chemical composition, intended use, effects, and possible side effects. Drug manufacturers test new medicines according to FDA guidelines. That includes completing at least three clinical trials for a drug. During a clinical trial, the drug is tested on human volunteers. They are monitored to determine the drug’s effectiveness and to identify any harmful side effects.
Sometimes, if a drug hasn’t yet completed clinical trials but is thought to be effective, people with life threatening illnesses are allowed to use the drug. This usage is referred to as experimental. Patients are given experimental drugs only after clinical trials show that the drugs are safe and may be effective in treating their illness.
The FDA does not regulate herbal and dietary supplements. These supplements do not go through the same testing procedures or meet the same strict requirements for safety and proven effectiveness. Many people believe that herbal supplements are safe because some are advertised as “natural.” Even supplements made from natural compounds can have harmful side effects or interactions. Never take any supplement without telling your health care provider first.
Prescription Medicines
Prescription medicines are medicines that are
dispensed only with the written approval of a licensed physician or nurse practitioner. A licensed pharmacist dispenses these medicines. Prescription medicines provide only the amount of medicine that is needed to treat your condition. If more medicine is needed, your health care provider must approve a refill. A prescription medicine should be taken only by the person whose name appears on the label.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, or medicines you can buy without a doctor’s prescription are available without a prescription. The FDA considers these medicines to be safe if they are used as the label directs. However, all medicines can harm you if not used according to the directions.
While all OTC medicines are available without a prescription, the distribution of some OTC medicines is controlled. For example, cold medications that contain pseudoephedrine must be kept behind the pharmacy counter. These medications can be used to make highly addictive, illegal drugs.
Medicine Labels
When the FDA approves a medicine, it is considered safe when used as directed. The FDA requires that all prescription and OTC medicine labels contain information telling consumers how to use the medicine safely and effectively. The requirements for prescription and OTC medicine labels differ. Prescription medicine labels must also include any special instructions for taking the medicine, the prescribing doctor’s name, the patient’s name, the pharmacy’s name and address, the date the prescription was filled, the prescription number, and whether refills are allowed. Figure 19.7 shows the information that must appear on all OTC medicine labels.
Medicine Misuse
Main Idea:
Taking medicines unnecessarily or without following the label instructions is dangerous.
Medicine misuse can prevent the user from getting the full benefit of the medicine and can have serious health consequences. Medicine misuse involves using a medicine in ways other than the intended use. Examples of medicine misuse are:
• Failing to follow the instructions on or in the package
• Giving a prescription medicine to a person for whom it was not prescribed, or taking another person’s medicine
• Taking too much or too little of a medicine
• Taking a medicine for a longer or shorter period than prescribed or recommended
• Discontinuing use of a medicine without informing your health care provider
• Mixing medicines without the knowledge or approval of your health care provider
Medicine Abuse
Intentionally taking medications for non medical reasons is medicine abuse. Most teens (96 percent) use medicines correctly. Some, however, think that medicines requiring a prescription and OTC medicines are safer than illegal drugs. Abusing any medicine is dangerous and illegal. Teens should avoid using drugs to:
To lose weight or stay awake while studying. A healthy diet and exercise are the safest way to maintain a healthy weight. Getting plenty of sleep and managing your time wisely will help you study effectively.
To fit in with peers. A dangerous trend is the emergence of “pill parties,” where teens mix whatever OTC and prescription medicines are available. Mixing medicines, drugs, or alcohol is extremely dangerous.
One danger of medicine misuse is drug overdose-a strong, sometimes fatal reaction to taking a large amount of a drug. Misusing medicines can also lead to addiction. Never use a medicine other than how it is prescribed or intended.
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