While most people still think of a doctor when considering medical care or medication advice, a doctor is just one part of a broad healthcare community. Healthcare professionals include physicians (doctors), pharmacists, nurses, physician assistants, etc. Each is highly trained in their areas of expertise, and they are valuable resources of information on your disease states and medications. Some healthcare professionals can prescribe medications while others cannot.

Generally speaking, physicians and dentists can prescribe medications if they have a valid medical license from their state and a DEA license. Under certain circumstances and depending on the state that they are practicing in nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and pharmacist also can prescribe medications. Chiropractors and nurses are not able to prescribe medications.

Doctors and other healthcare professionals who prescribe medications play an important role in the selection of the right prescription medications for their patients.

Doctors and other healthcare professionals have years of training, in addition to years of schooling, to understand and to know — not only how the human body works — but how certain medications react in the body.

PAINFULLY OBVIOUS® — Use your prescription medications as prescribed by a doctor or other healthcare professional. Follow his or her directions to avoid misuse. Prevention

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