Medicines

“Write down the name and important facts about each medicine, vitamin, and herb you take. Note any side effects or problems you have taking your medicines”.1

Umbrella
What may the Medicines Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Drugs
  • Medications
  • Medicines
  • Nonprescription Drugs/Medicines
  • OTC Drugs/Medicines
  • Over-the-Counter Drugs/Medicines (OTC)
  • Pills
  • Prescription Drugs/Medicines
  • Vaccines

Prescription Medicines

What are prescription medicines?

DotS the definition of prescription medicines may vary. In Taking Medicines Safely As You Age: What Are Medicines? What Are Drugs? the (United States) National Institute on Aging’s (NIA) definition is:

“Prescription drugs are medicines that you can get only with a doctor’s order; for example, pills to lower your cholesterol or an asthma inhaler”.2

Nonprescription Medicines

What are nonprescription medicines?

DotS the definition of nonprescription medicines may vary. In Understanding Over-the-Counter Medicines the (United States) Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) definition is:

“Over-the-counter medicine is also known as OTC or nonprescription medicine. All these terms refer to medicine that you can buy without a prescription. They are safe and effective when you follow the directions on the label and as directed by your health care professional”.3

The NIA’s definition is:

“OTC medications can be purchased without a prescription; for example, aspirin or lubricating eye drops”.4

Side Effects

What are side effects?

DotS the definition of side effects may vary. The NIA’s definition is:

“Unwanted or unexpected symptoms or feelings that occur when you take medicine are called side effects”.5

What are some side effects?

The NIA explain:

“Side effects can be relatively minor, such as a headache or a dry mouth. They can also be life-threatening, such as severe bleeding or damage to the liver or kidneys. The side effects of some medications can also affect your driving”.6

In Finding and Learning About Side Effects (Adverse Reactions): From Minor To Life Threatening – Reducing Your Risk the FDA elaborate on:

“There are several ways to learn about side effects for your prescription drugs and to reduce your risk of experiencing a side effect.

  • Ask your health care professional about any possible side effects and what, if any steps should be taken to reduce the risk when you are prescribed a drug. For example, your health care professional may recommend taking the drug with food to lower the chance of getting nausea or to not take the drug with other drugs
  • Ask your health care professional for information about the drug when you receive your prescription…
  • Read the pharmacy label and any stickers that may be attached to the prescription bottle or box…

Prescription drug information on side effects is available on FDA’s Drugs@FDA database and FDA’s FDALabel database”.7

Drug Interactions

May drugs have interactions?

Yes. In Understanding Drug Interactions the (Australian) NPS MedicineWise [National Prescribing Service] explain:

“There may be times when one medicine can mix badly with another in your body. This can change how well the medicines work or their side effects. This is known as an interaction. Interactions also happen when medicines mix with certain foods or drinks (including alcohol)”.8

Dietary Supplements

May some dietary supplements be harmful?

In Using Dietary Supplements Wisely: What the Science Says About the Effectiveness of Dietary Supplements the (United States) National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) elaborate on:

  • “Some dietary supplements can be good for your health, while others haven’t been proven to work”.9

Alcohol

Can alcohol have harmful interactions with some medicines?

Yes. The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) note:

  • “Alcohol has harmful interactions with many medications, even ones you may not think about, such as medicines for arthritis, indigestion or heartburn, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and more”.10

Internet

Can medicines be purchased via the Internet?

In Quick Tips for Buying Medicines Over the Internet the FDA’s tips are:

Medicines

  • “Make sure the site requires a prescription and has a pharmacist available for questions
  • Buy only from licensed pharmacies located in the United States. BeSafeRx: Know Your Online Pharmacy has more information about finding safe and legal online pharmacies
  • Don’t provide personal information such as credit card numbers unless you are sure the site will protect them”.11

My Medicines

Is there a record keeper in which to record medicines taken?

In Medication Safety for Women: 2. Keep A Medicine List the FDA include a My Medicines record keeper in which you can:

“Write down the name and important facts about each medicine, vitamin, and herb you take. Note any side effects or problems you have taking your medicines. Keep the list with you all the time. Show it to your healthcare provider so that they know about all of the medicines you take”.12

In Medication Safety for Women: 2. Keep A Medicine List the FDA explain:

“My Medicines Record Keeper

Use the My Medicines brochure to help you keep track of the medicines you take. This brochure is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Polish, and 10 Asian/Pacific Islander languages.

In Safe Use of Medicines for Older Adults: Keeping Track of Your Medicines the NIA also provide “…some tips to help you keep track of all your medicines”.

Common Medicine Mistakes

What are some common medicine mistakes?

In Use Medicines Wisely the FDA include a guide “to learn four (4) ways to avoid common medicine mistakes”.

Safety

What are some tips on how to take medicines safely?

In Safe Use of Medicines for Older Adults: Taking Medicines Safely the NIA provide “…some tips to help you take your medicines safely”.

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help with my medicines?

If you would like help with your medicines, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Are You Considering A Complementary Health Approach? Take Charge of Your Health the NCCIH note:

  • “Tell all your health care providers about any complementary or integrative health approaches you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care”.14

The NIA explain:

“It can be dangerous to combine certain prescription drugs, OTC medicines, dietary supplements, or other remedies. For example, you should not take aspirin if you take warfarin for heart problems. To avoid potentially serious health issues, talk to your doctor about all medicines you take, including those prescribed by other doctors, and any OTC drugs, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies. Mention everything, even ones you use infrequently”.15

The NAMS note:

“To be safe, tell your healthcare provider about all botanical therapies you are considering and always stop all herbal treatments at least 2 weeks before any planned surgery”.16

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Medicines?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Medicines?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. 5 Things To Know About Naloxone
  2. 9 Common Questions About Vaccines and Travel
  3. Acetaminophen vs. Ibuprofen: Which Works Better?
  4. BeSafeRx: Your Source for Online Pharmacy Information
  5. Before Grabbing A Grapefruit, Understand Its Powers
  6. CBD: What You Need To Know
  7. Consumer Health: Addiction and Recovery
  8. Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Drugs
  9. Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Science Conversation: Science In 5: Episode #99 – Three Things To Keep In Mind When Taking Antibiotics
  10. Dangers of Buying Medicines Online
  11. Dietary Supplements
  12. Don’t Be Tempted To Use Expired Medicines
  13. Drug Reactions
  14. Drug Safety
  15. Drugs
  16. Drugs and Supplements: Find A Drug By Its First Letter
  17. Drugs and Supplements: Herbs, Supplements and Vitamins
  18. Drugs, Herbs and Supplements
  19. Drugs@FDA: FDA Approved Drug Products
  20. Find Information About A Drug [+ Video: Definition of A Drug]
  21. Finding and Learning About Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
  22. First OTC Contraceptive Now Available [United States] [19 March 2024]
  23. Food and Drug Administration [FDA, United States]
  24. Generic Drugs: Questions and Answers
  25. Home Remedies: Self-Care Approaches To Treating Pain
  26. Homeopathic Products
  27. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  28. How To Buy Medicines Safely From An Online Pharmacy
  29. Index To Drug-Specific Information [United States]
  30. Infectious Diseases A-Z: Resist Taking Unnecessary Antibiotics [+ Video]
  31. Infectious Diseases A–Z: Why You Should Never Take Leftover Antibiotics [+ Video]
  32. Information for Consumers and Patients | Drugs
  33. Information for Consumers on Using Dietary Supplements
  34. Is It OK To Take Expired Medicine?
  35. Is It Really ‘FDA Approved?’
  36. Is It Safe To Take Ibuprofen Every Day?
  37. Keeping A Medicines List
  38. Keeping Your Medicines Organized
  39. Managing Your Medicines
  40. Mayo Clinic Minute: Acetaminophen Aids With Fever, Pain [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  41. Mayo Clinic Minute: Heat and How It Affects Medication [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  42. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Drug Interactions With Foods and Drinks
  43. Medication Errors: Cut Your Risk With These Tips
  44. Medication Guides
  45. Medication Health Fraud
  46. Medication Safety for Women
  47. Medication and Treatment Adherence: The Hows and Whys of Osteoporosis Medications
  48. Medications and Supplements That Can Raise Your Blood Pressure
  49. Medicine Finder [Australia]
  50. Medicines
  51. Medicines
  52. Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency [United Kingdom]
  53. Medicines – Multiply Languages
  54. Medicines.org.uk: eMC [United Kingdom]
  55. Medicines: Common Questions Answered
  56. Menopause Hormone Therapy: Who Shouldn’t Take It?
  57. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Menopause Medication Tracker
  58. Menopause: Medicines To Help You
  59. Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
  60. Mis Medicinas: Spanish
  61. My Medicines
  62. NPS MedicineWise
  63. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  64. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  65. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Placebo Effect [+ Video]
  66. Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets
  67. Opioid Medications
  68. Opioid Misuse and Addiction
  69. Over-the-Counter Medicines
  70. Over-the-Counter Weight Loss Pills
  71. Prescription Drugs and Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs: Questions and Answers
  72. Projectcbd.org [Project CBD]
  73. Problems Swallowing Pills
  74. Publications In Other Languages: My Medicines
  75. Quick Tips for Buying Medicines Over the Internet
  76. Some Medicines and Driving Don’t Mix
  77. Taking Multiply Medications Safely
  78. The ABCs of CBD: Separating Fact From Fiction
  79. The Popularity of Microdosing of Psychedelics: What Does the Science Say?
  80. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  81. Therapeutic Goods Administration [Australia]
  82. There Are Vaccines You Need As An Adult
  83. Traveling Aboard With Medicine
  84. Understanding Drug Interactions
  85. Understanding Over-the-Counter Medicines
  86. Use Medicines Safely
  87. Use Medicines Wisely [+ Video]
  88. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  89. Vaccine Information for Adults: What Vaccines Are Recommended for You
  90. Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  91. Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  92. What To Ask Your Doctor Before Taking Opioids
  93. What We Know About Marijuana
  94. What You Need To Know (And What We’re Working To Find Out) About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-Derived Compounds, Including CBD
  95. What Are Flu Antiviral Drugs
  96. When You Feel Like Changing Your Medicine
  97. Where and How To Dispose of Unused Medicines
  98. Why Aspirin Guidelines Are Changing When It Comes To Preventing Heart Disease [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  99. Why You Shouldn’t Self-Treat With ‘Natural Antibiotics’
  100. Working Together With Your Doctor To Manage Your Pain

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Medication Safety for Women: 2. Keep A Medicine List. Content Current As of: 18 September 2018. Food and Drug Administration https://www.fda.gov/consumers/womens-health-topics/medication-safety-women Accessed: 30 October 2023
  2. Taking Medicines Safely As You Age: What Are Medicines? Content Reviewed: 22 September 2022. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/taking-medicines-safely-you-age Accessed: 30 October 2023
  3. Understanding Over-the-Counter Medicines. Content Current As of: 16 May 2018. Food and Drug Administration https://www.fda.gov/drugs/buying-using-medicine-safely/understanding-over-counter-medicines Accessed: 30 October 2023
  4. Taking Medicines Safely As You Age: What Are Medicines? Content Reviewed: 22 September 2022. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/taking-medicines-safely-you-age Accessed: 30 October 2023
  5. Taking Medicines Safely As You Age: Side Effects. Content Reviewed: 22 September 2022. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/taking-medicines-safely-you-age Accessed: 30 October 2023
  6. Taking Medicines Safely As You Age: Side Effects. Content Reviewed: 22 September 2022. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/taking-medicines-safely-you-age Accessed: 30 October 2023
  7. Finding and Learning About Side Effects (Adverse Reactions): From Minor To Life Threatening – Reducing Your Risk. Content Current As of: 08 August 2022. Food and Drug Administration https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-information-consumers/finding-and-learning-about-side-effects-adverse-reactions Accessed: 30 October 2023
  8. Drug Interactions. Date Reviewed: 25 October 2022. NPS MedicineWise https://www.nps.org.au/consumers/understanding-drug-interactions Accessed: 30 October 2023
  9. Using Dietary Supplements Wisely: What the Science Says About the Effectiveness of Dietary Supplements. Last Updated: January 2019. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/using-dietary-supplements-wisely Accessed: 30 October 2023
  10. Drink To Your Health At Menopause, or Not? How Much Is Bad? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/exercise-and-diet/drink-to-your-health-at-menopause-or-not Accessed: 30 October 2023
  11. Quick Tips for Buying Medicines Over the Internet. Content Current As of: 25 February 2020. Food and Drug Administration https://www.fda.gov/drugs/buying-using-medicine-safely/quick-tips-buying-medicines-over-internet Accessed: 30 October 2023
  12. Medication Safety for Women: 2. Keep A Medicine List. Content Current As of: 18 September 2018. Food and Drug Administration https://www.fda.gov/consumers/womens-health-topics/medication-safety-women Accessed: 30 October 2023
  13. Medication Safety for Women: 2. Keep A Medicine List – My Medicines Record Keeper. Content Current As of: 18 September 2018. Food and Drug Administration https://www.fda.gov/consumers/womens-health-topics/medication-safety-women Accessed: 30 October 2023
  14. Are You Considering A Complementary Health Approach? Take Charge of Your Health. Last Updated: September 2016. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health https://nccih.nih.gov/health/decisions/consideringcam.htm Accessed: 30 October 2023
  15. Taking Medicines Safely As You Age: What Are Medicines? Content Reviewed: 22 September 2022. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/taking-medicines-safely-you-age Accessed: 30 October 2023
  16. Natural Remedies for Hot Flashes: Do Mother Nature’s Treatments Help Hot Flashes? Black Cohosh. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/natural-remedies-for-hot-flashes Accessed: 30 October 2023
Topic Last Updated: 20 March 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 30 October 2023

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
/by