How Does it Work?
After you swallow a pill, what in our stomach breaks down the medicine?
This is the most common type of medication you swallow. It's usually solid and round or oval
Tablet
All medications work the same, no matter how you take them
False
The form affects how fast and how well it works
No, you can also experience withdrawal symptoms from stopping medications abruptly.
What is the top selling product at Walmart?
a. Diapers
b. Milk
c. Bananas
d. Sliced Bread
C, Bananas. Rumor is Walmart sells 1.5 billion pounds of bananas a year
Some medications help to increase a specific chemical in the brain that is related to mood and happiness. This chemical is called...
Serotonin
This form of medicine is a pill with a gel shell that holds powder or liquid inside
Capsule
Liquid medicine can work faster than tablets
True
What should you do if you notice an unwanted side effect of your medication?
Talk to your doctor. If it is a new medication it may be a temporary side effect as your body adjusts to the new medication. If it is not a common temporary side effect, your doctor can switch you to a medication that will likely not cause that side effect.
Which month has the lowest number of births?
February has the least number of births.
This route skips your stomach -- the medicine goes under your tongue and into your blood
Sublingual/ODT
This kind of medicine melts in your mouth -- you don't even need water!
Orally disintegrating tablet
All pills work instantly once you swallow them
False
Name at least one way to improve medication adherence
Pair it with something you do (i.e. making coffee or brushing your teeth), weekly pill box, reminder on your phone, automatic refills at the pharmacy, etc.
How old did the worlds oldest dog live?
30 years. Bobi, a Rafeiro do Alentejo, had his 30th birthday on February 2, 2023.
Subcutaneous is an injection into what?
Into the adipose tissue (fat)
This type of medication is given as a shot, usually every few weeks to months, and slowly releases over time
Long acting injectable
Extended-release pills should never be crushed or chewed
True
It could cause overdose or side effects
You forget to take your antipsychotic every day. What medication form might your doctor recommend?
Long-acting injectable
What is the official animal of Scotland?
Unicorn
What are 2 common sites in the body where drugs are broken down?
The GI tract and the liver
This method delivers medicine through your skin over hours or days
Patch
Once you get a long acting injectable, you can't stop the medicine right away
True
The effects last weeks
What percentage of American adults are adherent to their medications?
~ 50%
"Some research indicates that around 50% of patients with chronic conditions either miss doses, take incorrect amounts, or discontinue treatment within the first year."
What fruit are almonds related to?
Almonds are related to peaches. Almond and Peach trees are both part of the prunus family.