why don't prescription drugs ever have a description of their use on the packaging?

Question

well, usually.
you're supposed to just remember what they're for?

Answer 1

Do what I do then. When I get a script that isn't my usual medication I write on the box what it's for eg. Nausea, bronchitis, etc.
That way I know if it there in the medicine cupboard that it was used for what thing. Please remember that if you are on antibiotics you should take the full course (all the tablets) as prescribed.
Its also possible to get books which describe what medicines are prescribed for what, their possible side effects and contra-indications.
The one I have is called "The Complete Home Guide to Medications" by Dr. Warwick Carter. Its written in easy to read style.

Answer 2

I always ask. I ask my doc what are the usual side effects of any new drug, I ask what are the known cons of the drug. I ask how the new stuff will interact with what I'm already taking (even my vitamin supplements). I ask everything I can think of. My doctor has this computerized patient file system (her whole medical group does) so every time I go in to see her she pulls up my record and we generally go through everything--I ask if I should take another ___ test since I haven't had one in over a year, or if now that I'm doing so well do I still need to be on this med or could I go off of it to see if everything stays in place (if it doesn't, I can easily start taking the prescript again), etc. I ask if there is some alternative to taking the new prescription, maybe something I can change in my lifestyle or something more natural I could take instead. I just ask. She knows I'm going to ask and I'm going to do my own research and confront her with my concerns so she always schedules at least an hour (or more) to spend with me at my appointments. I've made bets with her (you're going to have to start taking this soon, no I'm not because I'm going to change my life so I won't have to....). I'm seeing her next month and I'm going to ask if I need any booster vaccinations--I know I had a 3-n-1 for whooping cough and 2 other things a few years back but can't remember when exactly, and I know I had vaccinations for Hep. C (I think, the one you can get from eating shellfish) and some other ones because I was traveling somewhere--don't know if I need to be redone. When I pick up a new prescript from the pharmacy, I also ask the pharmacist if there's anything special I need to consider about this "drug"--things I should not eat or drink with it, should it be taken on an empty stomach, does time of day matter, etc. It's my health so I ask a lot of questions.

Answer 3

All of the answers & suggestions above are good.
One reason that there is no description of use on the general or original packaging is that there are different indications for use- it might be prescribed for several different reasons.

It would be great if all prescribers wrote - for nausea, for dizziness, etc on the prescription, but getting all the information on the script, as well as on the bottle is difficult, and reading the doctor's writing is hard, too.

Most pharmacies are now giving out a sheet about why the medicine is usually prescribed, how to take it , side effects,etc.
Unused medications given for a specific urgent problem should be tossed when the problem is over - or if you expect it to occur again, write on the bottle, like several suggested.

Answer 4

Frequently, the same medication can be used for different illnesses at different dosage levels. Then there are different age groups to consider, a child would take less than an adult. Some people are more responsive to medication than others, so simply don't need to take as much. One other answerer has suggested writing the appropriate info on the box. I'm going to start doing that, it's a good idea. Give her the 10 points.

Answer 5

Every prescription should come with an information sheet. If your pharmacy doesn't provide you with one for each and every Rx you get, find a new pharmacy immediately.

Also, many doctors will write the prescription to say "take x doses a day for pain" or "for dizziness" or whatever. The pharmacy should print the label exactly as the doctor writes it. Ask your doctor to include the use when writing the Rx.

The tip to write the intended use on the bottle is a good idea if you're having trouble with your memory.

Answer 6

well, they should have but even if they don't the fact that they are called prescription medications mean that you have a prescription and the prescription tells you what they are for and how to take it and what to watch out for. the pharmacy should also give you info about the drug.

some doctor's secretaries write the info on the packaging for patients who always forget.

Answer 7

Inside the box there should be a leaflet with the description of what conditions the drug treats, the possible side affects, normally what dosage adults/children or the elderly should take etc what ingredients are in the drug. On the outside of the box my pharmacy puts a sticker with how many my Doctor has prescribed me to take each day with water or food and if they cause drowsiness or nausea anything like that?

Answer 8

A medicine must have packaging which contains a certian numbers of items there by law (Medicines Act 1968) in the UK. There must now also be a Patient Informationn Leaflet (PIL) which explains what the medicine is licensed for, details of side effects, cauation in use etc.

As one drug can be used to treat more than one condition, this is covered by the PIL

Answer 9

My issue with all bought (legal) drugs prescription or counter is like you say description of use, but also the instructions also have all the contra indications, reaction with any other drugs and side effects

As for what they are for: try google if you forget :-) and write it on

Answer 10

They do. Along with your name and sometimes address they also print the dosage and brief directions.
If its not actually on the box its always on the label the pharmacist uses to seal the bag.