Pharmacy
White Mountain Regional Medical Center's clinical pharmacy is equipped to meet the medication needs of the hospital's patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The pharmacy is responsible for acquiring, storing, controlling and distributing medications. To ensure patient safety, the pharmacy staff also reviews physician orders and check the patient's profile to monitor for possible drug interactions.
Prescription Medication
The Importance of Taking Your Medications Correctly
To get maximum benefit from your medications, it is important to take them exactly as prescribed by your doctor. In fact, your chance of a better health outcome improves when you take your medications as directed.
Four out of 10 older people who take more than one drug still do not take one or more of their prescriptions according to their doctor's instructions.
Could you be one of them?
Before leaving your healthcare provider's office, know the answers to the following questions before you start taking any new medications:
Can I take this medication while pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or while breastfeeding?What are the generic and brand names of the medication?Why do I need to take it?How often should I take it?What time of day should I take it?Should I take it on an empty stomach or with meals?Where should I store the medication?What should I do if I miss a dose?How long should I expect to take the medication?How will I know it is working?What side effects should I expect?Will the medication interfere with driving, working, or other activities?Does the medication interact with any foods, alcohol, other medications (including over-the-counter medications and/or dietary supplements), or activities?Do I need to be concerned about taking this drug prior to surgery or medical/dental procedure?Do I need to inform my doctor if I am sick and unable to take my medication?Other Tips
When it comes to taking your medications, it's essential to follow your health care professional's instructions. Make sure you NEVER:
Use your medication for any symptom of illness other than the one for which it was prescribed.Take someone else's medication or give your medication to someone else.Take more or less of a medication, unless directed by your health care professional.Get Organized
The following steps are designed to make it easier for you to organize your medications and related information.
List all medications that you take, which include prescriptions, over-the- counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements.Jot down questions you want to ask your health care professional. Write down your medical information. This includes emergency contact, primary physician, and allergies. Keep it in your wallet along with your insurance information.