citizensmemorial.com 13 Stephens Pharmacy is at 1100 S. Springfield Ave., in Bolivar, and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. GIVE US A CALL. For more information, call 417-326-2416. Your new medicine checklist Your doctor is prescribing you a new medicine. What should you do next? Ask the name of the medicine. This way, you’ll notice if the pharmacy gives you something different. Know why you’re taking it. You’re more likely to use a medicine correctly if you know how it’s helping you. Be clear on how to take it. For example, ask: » What side effects might I have? » Should I take it before, with or after meals? » Is there anything I should avoid while taking this? » What should I do if I forget a dose? M ake sure your doctor knows what else you’re taking. Go over a list of all the medicines you’re taking—including vitamins and herbal products. R ead the label—and take it only as directed. Still have questions? Follow up with your doctor or pharmacy. Never stop taking a medicine without talking with your provider first. Store medicines in a secure location. Keep them out of the reach and sight of kids, visitors and pets. Sources: BeMedWise Program; U.S. Food and Drug Administration “We are happy to offer this service to the community and to provide a safe way to dispose of medications to keep them out of the wrong hands or entering our water supply,” says Mariah Hollabough, PharmD, system pharmacy director at Citizens Memorial Hospital and CMH Foundation. Flush method. Check the flush list of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (visit fda.gov/drugs) to see if you can flush your medicine down the toilet. Flush your medication only if it’s on the flush list. Trash method. Mix the medicines with an unwanted substance, such as cat litter or used coffee grounds. Place the mixture in a sealable bag and toss it in the trash. Remove all personal information from medicine containers before discarding them. SAFE SHARPS DISPOSAL Sharps are objects that can puncture or cut skin with their sharp points or edges, such as auto-injectors, lancets and needles. People and pets are at risk if used needles and other sharps aren’t disposed of safely. They can injure people and pets and spread infections. » Dispose of used sharps with specifically designed containers, available at Stephens Pharmacy, in Bolivar, for a small fee. » Do not put loose needles and other sharps in household or public trash cans or recycling bins. And, of course, don’t flush them either. Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration Take with care medicines Questions? Call Stephens Pharmacy at 417-326-2416 if you have questions about disposing of your medicines or for more information about purchasing containers for the safe disposal of used sharps.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODQ1MTY=