Interested In Enrolling In Prescriptions 101?

Despite how you may feel about Big Pharma and, well, everything that goes along with Big Pharma, the fact remains that prescription medications will probably be around until the end of time. And, overall, that’s a damn good thing, because many prescription medications – when prescribed appropriately and taken responsibly – really help. They make us better. They save our lives.

Chances are, as a mental health consumer or loved one of a mental health consumer, you have some sort of experience with prescription medications. These may be good experiences, bad experiences, or a mix of both.

The keys to taking prescription medications (and having a good experience) is to 1) take the medicine that’s right for you, and 2) take it according to your doctor’s instructions.

iVillage’s iLearn program is currently offering the free online course Prescriptions 101: Taking Prescription Drugs Responsibly.

Prescriptions 101 promises to:

• Provide basic information about prescription drugs, including who can provide them, “common formats” for prescribing them, and how they work in your body.
• Help you get educated about prescription drugs, including drug interactions and side effects.
• Help you learn how to communicate with your healthcare providers and your pharmacist.
• Offer tips to consider when taking prescription medication, as well as “dos” and don’ts.”

Now, in my very humble and unprofessional opinion, if you aren’t sure how to take your prescription medication responsibly, you and your doctor aren’t communicating properly (i.e. you haven’t voiced your questions, and/or he hasn’t made sure you understand the medicine and the prescription). However, I think the points this course covers are points both consumers and caregivers can stand to learn.

The course ends November 14, 2008, but you still have until November 6 to enroll. If you do, be sure to check back here and let me know how it was.

Image: SXC