October is "Talk About Prescriptions" Month

"Talk About Prescriptions" Month: The 3Rs for Safe Medicine Use

The National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE) kicked off its 20th national “Talk About Prescriptions” Month by encouraging consumers to think “three” when it comes to using medicines safely. Ray Bullman, NCPIE's Executive Vice President, notes: "For years, we have been urging consumers to ask questions to get the answers. Two-way communication – at the point of prescribing and dispensing of medicines – is vital to promoting patients’ ability to get the full benefit from their medicine, while using it safely and appropriately."

This year’s “Talk About Prescriptions” Month focuses on the following key safe medicine use messages:

• Risk - recognize that all medicines (prescription and nonprescription) have risks as well as benefits; weigh these risks and benefits carefully for every medicine you take.
  
  
• Respect - respect the power of your medicine and the value of medicines properly used.
  
  
• Responsibility - take responsibility for learning about how to take each medication safely.
  

Underlying the 3Rs is the important rule: when in doubt, ask first. Your healthcare professional can help you get the facts you need to use medicines correctly. For more information, visit NCPIE’s web site: www.talkaboutrx.org.

Source: National Council on Patient Information and Education