Drug Label Lingo
Carole Lynch downed her osteoporosis pills with just a sip of water, even though the sticker said to drink a
LABEL SAYS | WHY | |
Take with a full glass of water | Water helps dilute drugs so they won’t irritate the esophagus or stomach lining, plus it flushes them into the abdomen to disintegrate properly. | |
Stay out of the sun | The drug increases the skin’s sensitivity to sunburn. If you usually burn in 20 minutes, it may take only 10 while on the drug. | |
Avoid dairy | Calcium can delay drug absorption. You won’t get the right dose. | |
Take with food | Food boosts absorption and helps reduce nausea. | |
Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery | The drug makes you drowsy, dizzy or lightheaded; slows reaction time and motor skills. |
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Originally Published: April 16, 2008
Originally Published in Reader's Digest