"Use Medicines Wisely"
Speaker's Guide

Welcome to the "Use Medicines Wisely" team. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) applauds your participation in this important effort to enhance the health of women and their families. You play a crucial role in our nationwide program to increase the safe and effective use of medicines.

This program is intended to encourage communication between patients and health care professionals. Please note: FDA does not endorse any specific commercial product (or commodity, service or company).

GETTING PREPARED

First, please be sure to read the "My Medicines" brochure that contains consumer information, a medicine chart and a list of important questions.

Second, please prepare for the session by taking a moment to make sure you know as much as possible about the audience with whom you will meet. In particular, be prepared to mention specific medicines that are commonly used by this population (including herbals and nontraditional remedies, if appropriate).

TIPS ON REACHING YOUR AUDIENCE

Please bear in mind that many women in your audience may have been taught never to question authority figures, such as doctors, nurses and pharmacists. You may find it helpful to open your discussion by urging your audience to ask any questions they have.

Try also to ask plenty of your own questions and invite responses. By asking your audience about their medicine-related knowledge, beliefs and behaviors, you will stimulate a livelier, more interactive and more educational exchange. Make it a goal to try to get every participant to speak at some point during the session.

Finally, pepper your presentation with examples to illustrate key messages. You may want to use stories of patients or consumers you've encountered--their problems, questions and successes. These personal examples will encourage participants to ask questions.

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS

After you've introduced yourself and set a comfortable tone, start the session by reviewing the "My Medicines" brochure. Make sure to cover the following topics, tailoring the information to suit your audience.

BROCHURE

Start by going through the brochure point by point. One of the best ways for women to take care of their health is to use medicines wisely.

• Read the label--When reviewing typical label information with your audience, touch on common questions, such as "Does 'take four times per day' mean four times in a 24-hour period or just during waking hours?"
• Avoid problems (adverse reactions/side effects, and interactions)
• Organize your medicines--Refer to Pill Box, if applicable
• Do not share medicines
• Do not take medicines in the dark
• Take the full dose of prescribed medication. Some people take less than the prescribed dose because they fear addiction or are feeling better.
• Ask questions--to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse
• Keep a record--see chart and suggest they carry it in their purse. Be sure to stress the importance of prescription, over the counter and herbal products.

ADVERSE REACTIONS/SIDE EFFECTS

INTERACTIONS

• drug
• food
• alcohol
• caffeine
• tobacco
• dietary supplements
• laboratory tests

MEDICINE STORAGE AND DISPOSAL

• Keep medicines out of the reach of children and pets.
• Iron pills can be particularly dangerous to children.

KEEPING TRACK OF YOUR MEDICINES (COMPLIANCE AIDS)

• Purse chart
• Medicine organizers

GENERIC MEDICINES AND DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

• A generic contains the same medicine as the brand name drug.
• Generic medicines are often less expensive.
• Examples of dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, and herbs.
• FDA does not review or evaluate the safety or the effectiveness of the dietary supplements.

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