6 Myths About Medications Charlotte Residents Should Never Believe

The modern age in which we live affords us plenty of benefits and luxuries, and one of the biggest is access to medications that treat the common illnesses we get and ultimately improve our quality of life. As the adage goes, though, “With great power comes great responsibility”. 

If you’re currently being prescribed medication by your doctor and are receiving it from a pharmacist, you must separate facts from myths when it comes to taking your medication. One of the most important aspects of our medication management in Charlotte, Rock Hill, Lancaster, and South End is educating our patients about the facts when it comes to taking prescription medication. To that end, we’re going to quickly cover the six biggest myths about medications that our Charlotte residents should never believe. 

Myth 1: Only Hard Drugs Can Cause Addiction

A common misconception among many people is that only “hard” drugs – cocaine and heroin, for example – introduce the risk of addiction. There’s no doubt that these drugs do introduce a very serious risk of addiction — with that said, prescription drugs such as opioid painkillers can be highly addictive if taken in high dosages for a long enough period. 

If you’re currently receiving prescription drugs or anticipate being prescribed drugs in the future, let one of our pharmacists in Charlotte know about any questions you may have regarding drug addiction prevention if you’re concerned about it, and follow the directions they give you regarding your medication use. 

Myth 2: You Don’t Need to Complete Your Medication Dosage Once You Feel Better

It’s common for people to begin feeling better once they’ve made their way through part of their course of treatment. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to stop taking your medicine before you’re done with your dosage. 

The fact of the matter is this: your doctor has put you on a full course of medication to help you feel better, and if you stop halfway through your course, you invite the opportunity for your illness to come back. You must speak with your pharmacist about how to calculate your medication dosage or if you’re thinking about stopping your medication due to cost-related reasons. 

Myth 3: Herbal Supplements Are Always a Safer Choice

Things like herbal supplements may seem like safer alternatives to prescription drugs, but the fact of the matter is that these supplements are not FDA-regulated drugs; they are regulated as food products and therefore have no officially declared effectiveness when it comes to treating illnesses. 

Additionally, the standards to which supplements adhere are not as stringent as those to which prescription drugs adhere. Speak with your pharmacist if you’re considering integrating herbal supplements with your managed care so that you can learn more about herbal supplement safety and when it’s best to use them. 

Myth 4: Antibiotics Are Always The Answer

Antibiotics are far from always being the answer, contrary to popular thought. It’s tempting to assume that antibiotics are a one-way ticket to feeling better; in reality, antibiotics are best used to treat illnesses directly caused by bacteria. If you’re experiencing a virus-related illness, your doctor or pharmacist will recommend either over-the-counter medication or a full course of prescription drugs for treatment.

Myth 5: You Can Store Your Medication Anywhere

While it’s true that remembering to stick to your medications daily can sometimes seem irritating, it’s still never a good idea to store medication in places like on or near your bathroom sink. Storing your medicine in places like these will expose them to too much moisture and sunlight, which can compromise their efficacy. It’s important to follow official medication storage guidelines so that they properly treat your illnesses when you take them.

Myth 6: If You’re Hurting, You Can Ignore The Label And Take More Pills

Last but not least, it’s never a good idea to ignore that little white label on your medication container. The dosage on that label is there for a reason; medication dosages are calculated carefully for your safety and well-being, and if you take more than you’re supposed to, you may just end up feeling worse than you previously did. 

Always ask your Charlotte pharmacists questions about how your dosages impact your health, and make sure to never ignore your label and take more pills.

Take Control of Your Health With Medication Management in Charlotte, Rock Hill, And Lancaster

At Carolina Pharmacy, we take our medication management in Charlotte, Rock Hill, Lancaster, and South End seriously. That’s why if you have any additional questions about how to properly manage your medication or are interested in taking advantage of our pharmacy consultation services, we encourage you to contact our Charlotte pharmacists today!