3 Common Myths about Medicine

Doctor giving medicine and instruction to senior woman at home

With access to more information than ever before, there has never been some much published online about medication and medicine. The problem is that not all of it is true or from reliable sources. There are a lot of myths and misinformation online about medicine and how it can and should be used.  Having the right information about the medication you put in your body is vital. Acting based on untrue information could create negative reactions or even health emergencies in extreme cases. You don’t want to put yourself at risk.  Always ensure you are consulting an authoritative source when taking advance about medicine. Speak with a doctor, pharmacist, or other type of health care professional. Here are 3 common myths about medicine that are simply not true: Once You Feel Better You Don’t Need To Finish Taking Your Prescribed Medication This is one of the most common myths out there and it is easy to understand why. If you are feeling better after taking medicine for a few days, why do you need to keep taking it? If you stop taking your medication before the allotted timeframe or dosage recommended by your doctor, you increase your odds of the issue coming back again. Then you will be back in your original situation once again. Always see a prescription through to the end, even if you feel as though you are fully recovered from your ailment. Dosages Are Only Recommendations Every type of medical, vitamin, or supplement you find at a pharmacy will include instructions for how much you should take. The label will say something like: “Take one tablet every 4-6 hours. Do not take more than 4 tablets in a 24 hour period.” However, there are some that believe this is only a loose guideline and you can take more than the recommended dosage if you have more severe symptoms. Don’t do this.  Dosage instructions and recommendations are on the label for a reason. They are medically calculated by professionals. If you take more than the recommendation, you could cause another health issue. Natural Supplements And Vitamins Are Harmless Some people shy away from medicine and opt for natural supplements because there is the belief they are safer and less harmful than medications. This is not always the case. Natural does not always mean safe. The standards for supplements are not as strict as medicine. There are many different natural ingredients that could create adverse health effects.  Always read the label carefully to be aware of ingredients and potential side effects. Supplements could pose a risk to your health if you are taking certain medications. Its always important to inform your doctor or pharmacist about any vitamin or supplements you are taking. Some could change the way your body absorbs medication, potentially limited its effectiveness.  If you are unsure about taking medicine, get some advice from a trained professional. Speak with your family doctor or visit your local pharmacy to get accurate health care advice.