FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 1997
Contact: Alixe Glen, (202) 835-3460
BOOKLET WILL HELP PATIENTS GET THE MOST FROM MEDICINES
Washington, D.C. -- Modern prescription medicines can help people lead longer, healthier, happier and more productive lives -- if they're used properly. But studies show that up to half of all prescription drugs aren't taken correctly -- leading to emergency room visits, hospitalizations, deaths, and added health care costs. A new booklet, "Getting the Most from Your Medicines " -- published by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) -- aims to make people aware of the problem and what they can do to make their medicines work better for them.
"Pharmaceutical companies spend hundreds of millions of dollars to develop just one new medicine," said PhRMA President Alan F. Holmer. "We want patients to get maximum benefit from every medicine they take. We're putting out this booklet to help patients take responsibility for the safe and effective use of their prescription drugs."
According to the booklet, patients should:
-- Ask questions of their doctor or pharmacist to be sure they understand how and when to take their medicines;
-- Take all the prescribed doses on time, and never stop taking a medicine without checking with the doctor;
-- Report any side effects or reactions to the physician immediately;
-- Discard all outdated medicines, and never use medicine from a package that shows signs of tampering;
-- Never share medicines;
-- Ask a pharmacist about ways to keep track of your medicines, such as containers with sections for daily doses;
-- Read the labels on all non-prescription drugs carefully.
The booklet includes special tips for older adults, guidelines for giving medicines to children, and a checklist of questions patients should ask their doctors. It also addresses special issues of women and medicine, including pregnancy and breast feeding.
"Getting the Most from Your Medicines" is available by writing to America's Pharmaceutical Companies, Box P, 1100 15th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005.
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country's leading research-based pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, which are devoted to inventing medicines that allow patients to lead longer, happier, healthier and more productive lives. Investing nearly $19 billion this year in discovering and developing new medicines, PhRMA companies are leading the way in the search for cures.
# # #
PhRMA Internet Address: http://www.phrma.org
RSS