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Prescriptions include the drug name, (route- oral/rectal) the amount (and exiration), the schedule (and refills), and the symptom being treated along with the n
by kurthr 9y ago
Prescriptions include the drug name, (route- oral/rectal) the amount (and exiration), the schedule (and refills), and the symptom being treated along with the name of the doctor and their prescribing organization. Some combinations of them are so common/nonsensical that they could be corrected from context.
I'd argue that changing the drug without calling the doctor (to at least let them know there was a mistake e.g. pull-down error by the nurse assistant) isn't a good idea, but it's VERY common to have them fill with an alternative/generic when the prescribed one isn't in stock. Usually, they'll mention it.
Honestly, there's a reason that pharmacists have such strict education and licensing. They regularly have to decide exactly these things based on this limited information. It's their job (often along with mixing/compounding drugs).
- astura 9y agoI don't know where you live but I'm sickly, I've filled hundreds of prescriptions in my life written by 20+ (at least) prescribers in three different states. Never once did any contain any symptoms. Even the ones that are prn (as needed). Not only that but many medications are not for treating symptoms but are prophylactic. Especially post surgical ones.
- kurthr 9y agoExamples: Take as needed for anxiety, pain, etc. I've never seen a difference with post surgical prescriptions in CA or TX other than the type and quantity.
- astura 9y agoJust no... No... I believe that short term prn medicine may contain some language like that. For anyone else, The VAST majority of prescription medication does not contain such language. Post surgical medication are like this: "take once a day" not something like "take this antiepileptic drug once a day to prevent seizures after brain surgery." Which is the actual purpose of the medication. I talk from experience. Any type of ongoing maintenance drug is going to omit any sort of symptoms, assuming any are present in the first place. Again, experience. Sure, this may be your experience with filling 5 or less prn prescriptions but this isn't how the majority of scripts work. Even if the pharmacist had your FULL medical history it seems very unusual they'd be able to catch this sort of error.
- bonzini 9y agoIn my (wife's) case, one of them is taken after giving birth, the other to stop lactation. It was pretty obvious that she needed the former (assuming you knew about both medications, of course!).