How Much Do You Really Know About the Medicine That You’re Taking?

Be it supplements, painkillers or specialised medication for different illnesses, modern medicine has us taking a lot of different medication just to keep our bodies in top condition. With the global pharmaceutical industry being worth an estimated $1.17 trillion US dollars in 2021, it’s no secret that a lot of companies are simply after our money and using the guise of healthcare as a way to sell us more useless products.

Of course, that’s not always the case for all organisations. There are plenty of companies out there who are looking to educate, inform and help people with proper medication and advice. So in this article, we’re going to ask the question; how much do you really know about the medicine that you’re taking, and what can you do to bolster your knowledge?

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Understanding your dosage and why it’s important
When prescribing some form of treatment or medication, your doctor will likely give you a recommended dosage. They’ll tell you how much to take, when it should be taken and when you need to get another prescription. This is important to follow because the doctor has prescribed you a specific dosage for your situation. Taking more or less could have a negative impact and it’s always best to stick to what you’ve been asked to take. Taking a lower dosage to save money on prescriptions could mean the drug isn’t effective, and taking more in an attempt to speed up your recovery could lead to nasty side effects.

Look at reliable sources of information for unique drugs
If you’re taking medication that helps with something significant such as arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, then it’s often best to check reliable sources of information for unique drugs instead of just looking at any old blog. Websites like Inspire are a great source of information to learn about specific drugs, to ask questions and even look at advice and discussions from other people to help you get more information.

Ease your worries by speaking to your doctor
Your doctor is a fantastic source of medical information and it’s unlikely that they’re prescribing you expensive drugs just to get your money. Most doctors really care about their patients and will prescribe supplements and medication that can actually help them recover, so don’t be afraid to question them about specific drugs or to ask for more advice. If your doctor is unable to answer certain questions or refuses to speak about certain topics, then it’s a red flag and you should consider getting a second opinion, preferably from a private healthcare option or just another doctor at the medical office.

It could be weight loss, an illness or even just for your well-being–regardless of what you’re taking and the reasons for it, it’s vital that you seek out more advice to help educate you on what you’re taking and why you’re taking it. The more you understand about the treatments and medication that you’re taking, the more peace of mind you’ll have.

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