Are You Getting The Drug That Was Prescribed?

When we leave the doctor’s office with a prescription in our hands, we feel confident that we have been helped, and rightly so. But sometimes that should not be taken for granted. Today the FDA made a disturbing announcement. Two drugs with similar names (even their generic names are similar) are often confused with each other by doctors and pharmacists, as well as by patients like you. These drugs are also packaged in similar boxes with look-alike labels. Since they have similar characteristics, such as drug strength, dosage forms and dosing intervals, it is easy to understand how the druggist, the patient, and even the doctor can be confused.
The important point to note, however, is that the drug, Risperidone or (Risperdal) is an antipsychotic medication used for mental illnesses like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, while Ropinirole (Requip) is used for Parkinson’s disease and also for Restless Legs Syndrome.
Be sure to check with your doctor to be sure what he or she has prescribed for you and for what condition it is prescribed. When you pick up your prescription from the pharmacy, check the package promptly and ask the doctor if that prescription is prescribed for your condition.
We all must begin to take charge of our own health. Doctors and Pharmacists are only human. They make mistakes. Realize that you are responsible for your own treatments. You can say yes or no to tests, treatments and drug which are prescribed. Take advantage of the information available and check out the drugs and treatments you are considering. It is your health that is at stake.