Question

A nurse is caring for a patient taking three over-the-counter medications for pain and insomnia. The primary care provider has prescribed a generic drug for the patient for asthma. The patient requests information from the nurse about over-the-counter medications and the difference between generic and brand-name drugs. (Learning Objectives 4 and 5)

1. Although over-the-counter drugs have been found to be safe when taken as directed, what should the nurse consider telling the patient about problems related to over-the-counter drugs?
2. What should the nurse tell the patient about the differences between generic and brand-name drugs?

Answer 1

1. Although over-the-counter drugs have been found to be safe when taken as directed, what should the nurse consider telling the patient about problems related to over-the-counter drugs?

It is the nurse's responsibility to make the patient understand the over the counter medication. Although the over the counter medication is found to be safe, only the approved drugs have to be taken under guidance and direction. Sometimes this medication may subside the appropriate signs and symptoms so it makes difficult to find out the exact disease and the cause. sometimes taking the over the counter medication along with the generic drug may interfere one with another and results in drug interactions. Taking too much of over the counter medications will also result in serious conditions. So it is better to avoid intake of over the counter medication along with the prescription drugs for maximum benefit and minimizing risks.

2. What should the nurse tell the patient about the differences between generic and brand-name drugs?

Patients are often confused about the generic name and brand name. It is the nurse's responsibility to make the patient understand generic and brand names. Generic names are drugs that are produced directly by the pharmaceutical company and got approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It comes under the chemical names and it is cheaper. A brand-name drug is similar to generic drugs with the same active ingredient, dosage but the color, shape, and package are differ based on the company. It is a little costlier.