ASCP- Medication Use Safety Training

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, otherwise known as NSAIDs, are common medications that can be found both over the counter and via prescription. These medications are primarily used to treat pain and inflammation. Although these medications are common and relatively safe, it is important to learn more about these medications and their side effects to make sure you can safely take them!

Info adapted from:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nsaids/ #:~:text=Non%2Dsteroidal%20anti%2Dinflammatory%20drugs,causes%20of%20long%2Dterm%20pain and https://online-lexi-com.tjlsophs.idm.oclc.org/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/disandproc/3651570?cesid=3MELxCbzEx3&searchUrl=%2Flco%2Faction%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dnsaids%26t%3Dname%26acs%3Dfalse%26acq%3Dnsaids

NOTICE: If you share our posts during this week, make sure to tag us () thank you!

Acetaminophen is found in over 600 different medicines so it is important to keep track of which medicines may contain acetaminophen to ensure safe and proper usage. Maintaining an updated medication list and reading the medication labels will provide information on drug interactions, proper daily doses, and safe medication directions. To prevent acetaminophen misuse, which can result in overdoses or liver damage, make sure to never take more than the recommended dosage and to avoid excessive alcohol consumption while taking acetaminophen! Finally, never hesitate to contact a health care provider to ensure that you are not taking more acetaminophen than is safe for you.

Info adapted from: https://www.bemedwise.org/health-research-and-reports/health-resources-and-toolkits/acetaminophen/

June is National Safety Month and this year, the Medication Use Safety Training Committee will be sharing daily informational posts educating about safe medication use throughout this week from Monday (6/20) to Friday (6/24)! We are also hosting a raffle giveaway open to anyone and the winners will be eligible to win a variety of prizes! Follow us to stay updated with our upcoming posts this week!

Thank you all for tuning into our June Safety Month; we hope you were able to learn a bit more about medication safety! Check out the initiatives of these organizations to learn more ways you can learn more about medication safety and prevention of adverse drug events. Don't forget to like and/or share for an entry in our raffle! Rules are in the ending photo for a reminder. Scan the QR code or go to ✨bit.ly/uopmust✨ for additional resources and tips on what you can do to be safe.

Info adapted from the CDC at: bit.ly/mustcampaigns

Proper medication disposal is a step that can be overlooked, but is still vital to safe utilization of medications. The best option is to find a drug disposal location, which may be found in community or clinic pharmacies and/or law enforcement facilities

Info adapted from the FDA. Find links to DEA Disposal Locations, FDA List of Recommended Drugs for flushing, and more references at: bit.ly/mustjune

Adverse drug events (ADE’s) occur when a patient experiences harm after taking a medication. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as taking the wrong dose, medication, or not taking the medication as directed. It is the cause of over 1 million emergency department visits and over 350,000 hospitalizations annually. For this reason, it is essential to understand the steps that can be taken to avoid an ADE:
1. Keep a list of all medications and directions prescribed to you by your physician
2. Follow the directions and take the medications as directed
3. Utilize safety caps for the vials and keep all medications out of children’s reach
4. Ask questions if you are unsure about how to take any medications
5. Do NOT share medications! Only take medications prescribed to you

Info adapted from the CDC at: bit.ly/mustade

When it comes to taking medications, there is no such thing as “completely safe”. All medicines have risks, whether it is from a prescription or over-the-counter. It is estimated that about 48.9% of patients use at least 1 prescription drug with 74% of doctor’s visits involving drug therapy. Among those patients, approximately 50% of those prescriptions are taken incorrectly. Some helpful tips that can help decrease those statistics include:
1. Reading the label carefully before you take your medications
2. Make sure you know HOW to take your medicine
3. Make sure you know WHEN to take your medications
4. Make sure to take your medications exactly as it is prescribed to you
5. Make sure to check the expiration dates

Info adapted from the CDC at: bit.ly/muststats
and the NIH at: bit.ly/muststats2

Hi! June is National Safety Month, and the Medication Use Safety Training Committee at University of the Pacific is participating by releasing weekly informational posts about important medication safety every Friday of the month! For this social media campaign, we will be hosting a raffle with anyone who participates eligible to win! Check out the second photo for details, and look out for our posts!
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