The best way to avoid misuse or abuse of prescription medications is to stop it before it starts. This is one reason why a complete and honest discussion of a patient's medical history is important at the beginning of treatment. A doctor can learn about past reactions to certain medications, any family history of abuse, or if a particular patient has misused or abused medications in the past.

With accurate information, the doctor can help the patient avoid the problems caused by misuse or abuse. Some steps the doctor will take against misuse or abuse are:

• educating the patient about the medication, its effects, dosage and the importance of following the prescription exactly.

• making sure that there is not a substitute medication that will treat the condition but will be less likely for the patient to misuse.

• requesting that the patient return regularly during treatment to check on the medication's success at treating the condition and checking for signs of misuse or abuse.

• not prescribing large quantities of a medication at one time.

• making sure the patient, or the patient's family, reports any side effects or changes in the drug's effectiveness.

• making sure that the patient reports any medications prescribed by other doctors or health care professionals.

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

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