Posted on behalf of Dana Abbey.
Did you know that adults in the U.S. average 11.5 prescriptions per year, and persons over 60 average 15.6? Pillboxbeta, provides an easy way to visually identify an unknown tablet or capsule medication based on imprint, shape or color.
The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is developing two free online tools to assist in identifying and tracking prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.
The site, currently under development, is designed for consumers, emergency physicians, first responders and Poison Control Centers. Pillboxbeta contains 5,693 records – 779 have images. In addition to pill images, the site provides links to medication content and labeling as found in the medication package inserts; MedlinePlus for easy to read summaries; PubMed for medical literature describing research; clinical trials; and, literature on substances that might pose possible health effects to nursing infants. The NLM is working with the Food and Drug Administration and drug manufacturers on a large-scale photography project, so look for more images to be available in the near future. This site, as with all other NLM databases, does not accept advertising.
Personal medication records can help to educate and empower consumers and improve patient safety and health quality. MyMedicationList is a prototype Web application being developed by the NLM that helps users manage and track their prescription and over-the-counter medication lists. The program has two options for display: text and pictogram. The pictograph view is a great feature for those with low literacy – medications can be associated with images and instructions for use. The list can be printed, emailed or brought to medical appointments. This web tool is not connected to a health institute or organization, is advertisement-free, and is stored locally on the user end. Multiple lists can be created, allowing all family and household members can keep track of their individual medications.
When disposing of unused, unneeded, or expired medications:
• Remove from original containers
• Mix prescription drugs with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter, and put them in impermeable, non-descript containers, such as empty cans or sealable bags
• Do not flush prescription drugs down the toilet unless the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs doing so
• Look for community pharmaceutical take-back programs that allow the public to bring unused drugs to a central location for proper disposal
For more information on prescription, over-the-counter medications and supplements, visit MedlinePlus at www.medlineplus.gov.
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