READING THE INFORMATION ON A PRESCRIPTION
for most people is like looking at Egyptian hieroglyphics.
But this shorthand notation between doctors and pharmacists
is essential to save time and space.
All prescriptions contain the same information. The
paper usually begins with a letterhead at the top
identifying the name and address of the clinic with their logo and
contact number. This is important in case your pharmacist has a query
about what's written, they know who to contact.
In the middle of the prescription is where the actual
order for meds is located in an abbreviated form.
It starts with the name of the drug, the dose,
the unit of measurement, the route
to give it, how often, and for how long.
Using our example above, this order is for a pain-killer called Voltaren,
at a dose of 75 milligrams, given by mouth, once a day, for one week.
(This example is a typical prescription for non-specific joint pains).
A prescription is a legal document
which entitles the bearer to access to controlled substances. This
is designed to protect the public from chemicals which are dangerous
to use with too little knowledge. Remember to always carry your ID
when filling a prescription.
