How To Correctly Do Your Acne Treatment

How did the doctor say that I should apply that cream? What were the side effects of that pill? Should I take it on an empty stomach or with food? If you're like most people, you probably don't remember half of what was said to you in your dermatologist's or healthcare provider's office.

 

Be sure to ask for written material about acne in general and also be sure you get written directions on how to use the medications that are prescribed for you. When you get home, make sure you read the material so that you understand the possible side effects, correct dosage, and everything else you need to know. If you have any questions, be sure to call your dermatologist or healthcare provider rather than waiting for your next office visit.

 

Your pharmacist should be a great resource for you. You can always ask for information about any of the drugs you were prescribed, as well as any of the over-the-counter drugs that you may be buying without a prescription. Better yet, ask your pharmacist for a printout that describes all of the actions and possible reactions you may experience with a prescription drug.

 

You can also turn to the package insert (the piece of paper that's supplied by the drug manufacturer), which has all that small print that describes every possible thing that has happened, or might happen, to anybody who takes the drug. It has more information than you'll ever need to know about the drug you were prescribed and it may convince you never to take it.

 

If you desire, remember to ask your dermatologist or pharmacist whether there is a generic substitute for the prescribed medication.

Open up your package insert and check out the section named "adverse reactions" that lists all of the side effects that were reported in people and animals who were given the drug while it was being tested before going to market. These side effects can look frightening because they include so many problems, ranging from sneezing to life-threatening symptoms. The thing to remember is that this section lists everything that happened to thousands of people and/or animals during the testing phase regardless of whether it actually had any connection to the medicine.

It can be hard for you to decide which of the side effects on these lists you really need to be concerned about. You probably shouldn't be troubled about ones listed as rare or infrequent, unless they're also discussed in the "warnings" section. Even the side effects listed as being most frequent don't affect everyone who takes the medicine. Keep in mind, every person is different and it is impossible to tell in advance what you will experience.