Prescription Clarity: Are All Medications Listed?

Physician's medication issues

Shouldn't the medications prescribed by the doctor list all the drugs on the medication bag? Because six months ago, I visited an obstetrician when I was one month pregnant, and I found out that the fetal heartbeat had stopped at the second week.
The doctor prescribed four medications, but only two were listed on the medication bag.
Later, I called the doctor to ask about it, and his response was that one of them was a type of stomach medication.
Is that acceptable?

Zhu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/11/25

Dr. Huang Yicheng reply Pharmacology

The Physician Act, Pharmacist Act, National Health Insurance Medical Regulations, and Good Dispensing Practices all stipulate specific labeling requirements for pharmaceutical packaging.
For example, Article 14 of the Physician Act states that when a physician dispenses medication, the container or packaging must clearly indicate the patient's name, gender, medication name, dosage, quantity, administration method, the name and location of the medical institution, and the date of dispensing (year, month, day).
Article 19 of the Pharmacist Act requires that the packaging of dispensed medications must include the patient's name, gender, medication usage instructions, the pharmacy's location and name, the name of the dispenser, and the date of dispensing (year, month, day).
Article 45 of the National Health Insurance Medical Regulations specifies that to ensure the safety of insured individuals, the container or packaging of medications must include the insured individual's name, gender, medication name, quantity, duration, dosage, administration method, pharmacy location and name, the name of the dispenser, and the date of dispensing (year, month, day).

Section 44 of the Good Dispensing Practices mandates that pharmacy personnel must include the following information on the medication container or packaging as per the Pharmacist Act: (1) the name, address, and phone number of the pharmacy; (2) prescription number and dispensing date; (3) patient’s name and gender; (4) medication brand name; (5) unit dosage and quantity; (6) clear dosage, frequency, route of administration, and brief medication instructions; (7) expiration date of the medication; (8) name of the dispenser.

The Department of Health has established thirteen mandatory labeling items for medication containers, which include the patient's name, gender, medication brand name, unit dosage and quantity, usage and dosage instructions, the name, address, and phone number of the dispensing location, the name of the dispenser, the dispensing date, and warning labels.
Three recommended labeling items include the primary indications, major side effects, and other medication instructions (such as special storage conditions for certain medications or warnings against driving after taking antihistamines).
These can be included on the medication container or provided as consultation items by physicians or pharmacists.

Some of the thirteen mandatory labeling items are already required by the aforementioned regulations.
If medical institutions fail to comply with these labeling requirements, they may be penalized under the Physician Act or Pharmacist Act.
However, some items, such as warning labels, are not mandated by law, making them persuasive labeling items.
Future amendments to the law will be necessary to enforce mandatory labeling for these items to establish a basis for penalties.
Therefore, it is not only important to indicate what medications are included on the medication bag, but it should also follow the principle of "one medication per bag."
Respectfully, Huang Yi-Cheng, Pharmacist, Hualien Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.

Reply Date: 2007/11/25

More Info

When it comes to prescription medications, clarity and transparency are paramount for patient safety and effective treatment. In your situation, it seems there was some confusion regarding the medications prescribed by your physician during your pregnancy. It is essential to understand how prescriptions should be handled and what to expect from your healthcare provider.

Firstly, a prescription should ideally include all medications that a physician deems necessary for the patient's treatment. This includes the name of the medication, dosage, frequency of administration, and the duration for which it should be taken. If a physician prescribes multiple medications, all of them should be clearly listed on the prescription label or accompanying documentation. This ensures that patients are fully informed about their treatment plan and can manage their medications appropriately.

In your case, you mentioned that the physician prescribed four medications, but only two were listed on the medication bag. This discrepancy raises valid concerns. It is crucial for patients to have a complete understanding of their treatment, especially during sensitive times such as pregnancy. If a medication is not listed, it could lead to confusion about whether it should be taken or not, potentially affecting the patient's health and the health of the fetus.

Regarding the specific mention of a "stomach medication," it is not uncommon for physicians to prescribe medications that may not seem directly related to the primary condition being treated. For example, medications like antacids or proton pump inhibitors may be prescribed to manage gastrointestinal symptoms that can arise during pregnancy, such as nausea or heartburn. However, it is vital that patients are informed about the purpose of each medication they are taking, including any potential side effects or interactions.

If you have concerns about the medications prescribed to you, especially in the context of your pregnancy, it is important to communicate openly with your healthcare provider. You have the right to ask questions about your treatment plan, including why certain medications are prescribed and how they are intended to help you. If there is any uncertainty or if you feel that not all medications were communicated to you, do not hesitate to reach out to your physician for clarification.

Moreover, if you ever feel uncomfortable with the information provided or the medications prescribed, seeking a second opinion from another healthcare professional can be beneficial. This can help ensure that you are receiving the best possible care tailored to your specific needs.

In summary, all medications prescribed by a physician should be clearly listed and explained to the patient. If there is any confusion or lack of clarity, it is essential to address these concerns directly with the healthcare provider. Patient safety and understanding should always be a priority in any medical treatment plan, especially during critical periods such as pregnancy. Always advocate for your health and well-being by asking questions and seeking clarity when needed.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Prescription Processes: Health Insurance Card vs. Prescription Slip

Excuse me, I would like to ask whether the pharmacy dispenses medication based on the information entered from the health insurance card or according to the prescription.

Dr. Liao Lingmei reply Pharmacology
Dear: The pharmacist at the pharmacy should dispense the medications listed on the prescription you provided. Before dispensing the medication, the pharmacist will conduct a prescription evaluation, and if any issues are identified, they will communicate with the physician or the...

Understanding ADHD Diagnosis and Medication Management in Adults

Hello, doctor. Recently, I was diagnosed by a pediatric psychiatrist at a medical center in the southern region, and psychological testing indicated that I have symptoms of ADHD. The doctor prescribed me 14 tablets of Adderall 10 mg and advised me to start monitoring the side eff...

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello, prescriptions can only be issued after an in-person evaluation by a physician. It is recommended that you bring copies of past assessment results, medical records, and other relevant information for the consulting physician's reference, which should help reduce unnece...

Which Mental Disorders Qualify for Chronic Prescription Refills?

Hello! (1) Which mental illnesses are eligible for chronic disease continuous prescriptions? (2) Are antidepressants (Zactin) and anti-anxiety medications (Serenal) applicable? Please respond, thank you!

Dr. Liu Weimin reply Psychiatry
Dear Ms. Wu, I apologize for the delayed response. Here are the answers to your questions: 1. The chronic diseases applicable for continuous prescriptions for mental disorders include schizophrenia, affective disorders, organic mental disorders in the elderly, psychoneurosis, p...

Managing Polypharmacy in Seniors: A Guide to Medication Integration

My father has to take more than ten pills every day, and he is quite insistent on taking them a few minutes before and after meals. He even divides some pills into several doses, which makes it seem like he is taking medication all day long. He drinks a lot of water to metabolize...

Dr. Liao Lingmei reply Pharmacology
Hello: 1. Although the active ingredients of the listed medications do not have any duplicates, there are indeed similarities in their indications. 2. It is possible that there are additional medication names not provided (as indicated by the ellipsis above), for example, the afo...