Cautionary labels

Question 1

Lamotrigine

Answer 1

Warning: Do not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to stop

Question 2

Doxycyline

Answer 2

• Take with a full glass of water
• Protect your skin from sunlight—even on a bright but cloudy day. Do not use sunbeds
• Do not take indigestion remedies, or medicines containing iron or zinc, 2 hours before or after you take this medicine

Question 3

Alendronic acid: administration

Answer 3

• Manufacturer advises tablets should be swallowed whole and oral solution should be swallowed as a single 100 mL dose.
• Doses should be taken with plenty of water while sitting or standing, on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before breakfast (or another oral medicine);
• patient should stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes after administration.

Question 4

What time of day should alendronic acid be taken?

Answer 4

30 mins before breakfast - empty stomach

Question 5

4 warnings for all bisphosphonates to look out for

Answer 5

1. Osteonecrosis of the jaw,
2. auditory canal
3. Atypical femoral fractures
4. Oesophageal reactions (stop)

Question 6

Mirtazipine

Answer 6

Warning: This medicine may make you sleepy. If this happens, do not drive or use tools or machines. Do not drink alcohol

Swallow this medicine whole. Do not chew or crush

Question 7

Sodium valproate

Answer 7

Warning: Do not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to stop

Warning: Read the additional information given with this medicine

Take with or just after food, or a meal

Question 8

Digoxin

Answer 8

Warning: Do not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to stop

Question 9

Amiodarone

Answer 9

Protect your skin from sunlight—even on a bright but cloudy day. Do not use sunbeds

Question 10

Amitriptylline

Answer 10

Warning: This medicine may make you sleepy. If this happens, do not drive or use tools or machines. Do not drink alcohol

Question 11

Lithium

Answer 11

Warning: Read the additional information given with this medicine

Question 12

Which formualation contains alcohol?

Answer 12

Elixirs

Question 13

Drugs to NOT stop before surgery

Answer 13

• AEDs
• Parkinson’s meds
• Antipsychotics
• Anxiolytics
• Bronchodilators
• Glaucoma drugs
• Immunosuppressants
• Drugs for dependence
• Thyroid drugs

Question 14

Gabapentin and swallowing difficulties

Answer 14

Open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on food or in water