Many people take important medications every day. Some need pain killers like Hydrocodone/Ibuprofen to manage symptoms and live a normal life. Others are taking antibiotics like Amoxicillin to fight potentially dangerous infections. But drug recalls happen often and that can cause problems.
Recalls may happen because of things like labelling issues, or more serious concerns like medication mix-ups or potential health hazards. The FDA or the makers of a drug may issue a recall for over the counter or prescription medications.
It’s important to know what to do if your medication is recalled and how to deal with the issue quickly and calmly. Here’s what you should do if you find one of your medications has been recalled:
Stop Taking the Drug and Call Your Doctor/Pharmacist
The first step is to stop taking the drug immediately. Make sure you keep calm and don’t panic, as it may not be anything serious. If your medication was over the counter, return the medication to the store where you bought it and ask for a refund. The pharmacist may also be able to recommend a substitute. Most manufacturers have a number you can call too. If you’re dealing with a recall for a medication that your doctor prescribed, you should call your doctor or pharmacist ASAP. Your doctor should prescribe a replacement, or your pharmacist may recommend an alternative.
Discard the Medication Safely & Securely
Once you’ve talked to your doctor or pharmacist, you need to safely discard the recalled medications. You may be able to return the drugs to the pharmacy. If not, many medications can be mixed with something like coffee grounds, dirt, or kitty litter, then put them in a sealed container and thrown in your trash. Some medications may have specific instructions to flush them down the toilet. Always check the medication packaging to see if there are specific disposal instructions. Be sure to remove any personal information on your empty pill bottles before discarding them.
Once the urgent stuff is taken care of, you should take some time to find out more about the recall. You can visit the FDA’s website to learn more.
Always Inspect Your Medication
Even if your medication is not recalled, it’s important to be inspect your medications. If anything seems strange or suspicious such as a weird smell, disturbances in the packaging, or if the medication looks odd, contact your doctor or the manufacturer right away.
Discounts and Prescription Offers
You should be able to get a refund for recalled medications. And you may be able to use a discount when buying a replacement prescription.
rxless can help you find a discount offer for your medication. These discounts can significantly bring down the price of your prescription, possibly even more than your insurance coverage. Simply visit our site and search for a discount on you medication.
