Safe Medication Use

This 2-pg, color, trifold brochure aimed at adults discusses the differences between viral and bacterial respiratory illnesses. It dispels the common misperception that antibiotics can help with a cold or flu and discusses when antibiotics actually work best, in the treatment of bacterial infections. Cautions against taking unnecessary antibiotics as their overuse can result in resistant bacteria.

This 1-pg, printer-friendly handout describes how viruses cause colds and how they are transmitted between people. Symptoms of the common cold are listed. It focuses on measures patients can take to prevent the spread of infection. It also explains why antiobiotics are not useful for treating colds.

CDC’s Get Smart 4"x 6" prescription pad is actually a checklist for physicians to describe symptomatic relief for viral respiratory illness. It is designed for adults and parents of young children.

This illustrated CDC poster warns that using antibiotics for viruses can put people at risk of getting a bacterial infection that is resistant to antibiotic treatment. Includes photo illustration and graphic warning text.

This FDA 2-page color handout describes dietary supplements and how they are regulated, the importance of checking with a physician before use, interactions with other medications, and how to find more information.

NIAAA's 11-pg pamphlet lists commonly used medicines (both prescription and OTC) that can cause harm when taken with alcohol. It describes how alcohol mixed w/ medicines can cause adverse reactions such as internal bleeding and heart problems as well as make a medication less effective. Includes sections on how alcohol affects women and older people.

This FDA 2-pg fact sheet covers drugs that interfere with driving and outlines potential reactions that make it unsafe to drive. It also explores strategies for scheduling medications and alternatives to driving.

This FDA 3-pg fact sheet describes safe use of pain relievers and includes facts about over-the-counter and prescription medications. Acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and opioid safety considerations are also covered.

The FDA's 3-pg color handout on uses, risks and regulation of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, herbs, botanicals and other dietary supplements.

This FDA 12-pg, illustrated booklet covers the use of insulin and insulin devices for type 1 and 2 diabetes as well as gestational diabetes. It describes how often insulin should be used, the various types of insulin, and even lists various brands of insulin by insulin activity onset. Includes a section on the warning signs of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.

This 2-pg handout from the American Diabetes Association helps patients manage their meds by providing questions they can ask health professionals, tips to help them remember to take their meds, and a chart for recording medication information. Patients are also advised to tell their providers about any prescription and nonprescription meds and supplements they are taking.

The National Cancer Institute's 52-pg, illustrated guidebook addresses pain control medications and nonpharmacologic methods to help manage pain in patients with cancer. The physical and emotional effects of pain are explored in detail. A sample pain-control record is included. Questions to explore with healthcare professionals are suggested. English and Spanish PDFs available.

This National Cancer Institute 2-pg guide encourages persons with cancer to treat pain with appropriate medication and includes tips for getting the most out of these medicines. It defines pain tolerance, addresses concerns about addiction to pain medicine, and clarifies when to seek immediate medical help. Includes a sample pain journal to record sx and discuss w/ a doctor or nurse. Available as pads of fifty 2-sided, tear-off sheets.