Drug Information Q&A Q30. Should I know the names of the drugs I am taking?
Answer
No. You are using the medicines for your own benefit. Recently, there are tools to keep track of the medicines you take on a daily basis, such as the "Okusuri Notebook," but you should try to remember the names of the medicines you use in case of emergencies.
Explanation
Pharmaceutical companies try to include the name of the drug and the company's mark on the plastic sheet that packages the drug.
When you receive your medicine at the pharmacy, you may also be given a "Drug Information Sheet" that contains the name and picture of the drug.
People who receive a new medication at a hospital or doctor's office, or who always need the same medication due to a chronic illness, should at least know the name of that medication.
One of the main reasons why patients should remember the names of their medicines is in the event of a disaster.
In the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake that struck in March 2011, large quantities of drugs were delivered from all over Japan, along with relief supplies one after another.
However, when the doctors who had rushed to the area from all over Japan to provide support tried to give the medicines to patients, many of those who had been using the medicines for illnesses or other reasons did not know the names of the medicines they had been using.
Local hospitals and pharmacies were also damaged, and since they are no longer functioning, there is no way to check medical records or prescriptions. The sick people must have been very anxious, and the medical personnel were also perplexed.
In the U.S., a similar situation existed in the past. In a survey of the elderly, 95% of those who received a new drug in the hospital did not ask the doctor any questions or have any information about the drug.
In the 1980s, the "get-the-answer" movement was launched in the United States.
This campaign encourages patients to ask questions of their doctors and pharmacists and have them answer them when they receive medicines. They are to ask questions about their needs from among the five basic items.
In conjunction with this campaign, doctors and pharmacists also launched the "Give the Answer" campaign. The questions asked in the "give the answer" campaign should be used to ensure that you are satisfied with the use of your medicine.
Chart/Column
30｜"Drug Information Sheet
When you receive a prescription for a drug at a hospital, doctor's office, or pharmacy, you may be given a "Drug Information Sheet" along with the drug. This information will contain information about the medication you have received. Read the information carefully, and if you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask.
Five basic questions of the "get-the-answer" exercise
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What is the name of this drug?
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What does it work for?
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What should I be careful when taking it?
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What are the side effects?
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What about taking it with other foods (interactions)?
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