Prescription Medicine
Why do doctors require a prescription for some medications?
Because the medicine may be strong, have side effects, or needs special instructions.
What are "dosage instructions," and why must they be followed?
They tell you how much and how often to take medicine to avoid harm.
What is medicine misuse?
Using medicine the wrong way, like taking too much or giving it to others.
What makes OTC medicine different from prescription medicine?
You can buy it without a doctor's note, but it still must be used carefully.
What is peer pressure, and why is it sometimes hard to resist?
It’s when friends try to get you to do something, and you don’t want to feel left out.
What information is usually on a prescription label?
Patient’s name, dosage, how often to take it, and doctor’s instructions.
Why should you never take medicine without reading the label?
You could take the wrong amount and make yourself sick.
What should you do if you accidentally take the wrong medicine?
Tell an adult immediately; call Poison Control or go to the nurse.
Why do even OTC medicines have age instructions?
Because children's bodies process medicine differently than adults’.
What's the difference between "make an excuse" and "better idea"?
Making an excuse uses situations to help you get out of peer pressure, while suggesting a better idea gives an alternative to the pressured situation.
What might happen if someone takes a prescription not meant for them, even if they have the same symptoms?
They could have an allergic reaction, get sick, have to go to the hospital.
What should you do if medicine makes you feel sick?
Call a doctor, tell a parent, or nurse.
Why is it dangerous to take more than the recommended dose of cold medicine?
It can cause serious side effects, like trouble breathing or heart issues.
What can happen if you take two OTC medicines with the same ingredient (like acetaminophen)?
You could accidentally overdose/make yourself sick.
What’s an example of the “Better Idea” strategy in action?
“Instead of doing that, let’s go play basketball.”
Why is it important that only adults give prescription medicine to kids?
Because adults can follow the instructions exactly and make safe decisions.
What role does a school nurse play in giving medicine during school hours?
They ensure medicine is stored, given properly, and tracked safely.
What are signs someone might be misusing medicine on purpose?
Hiding medicine use, taking extra, acting confused or sleepy.)
Why is it risky to rely only on ads or friends for medicine advice?
Ads don’t know your health, and friends aren't medical experts.
Why is the “Broken Record” strategy effective, even if someone keeps bugging you?
Because staying calm and repeating “No” shows you won’t change your mind.
How do pharmacies help keep people safe with their prescriptions?
They check for drug interactions, explain how to take it, and make sure it’s the correct medicine.
Why is it important to keep a medicine log or schedule when taking multiple medications?
To prevent missed or double doses, and keep track of side effects.)
What is the difference between a "symptom" and a "side effect"?
Symptom: This is something you feel when you're not feeling well. It’s a way your body tells you that something might be wrong.
Side Effect: This is something that can happen to your body after you take medicine. it’s not always bad, but it’s something the medicine can cause that you weren’t expecting.
How can reading the “Drug Facts” label help you choose the right OTC medicine?
It shows the ingredients, purpose, warnings, and directions clearly.
Name at least four of the peer pressure refusal strategies.
Make an excuse, say "no", better idea, reverse the pressure, state the facts, broken record, ignore, walk away