Steven Fox, M.S., D.V.M., M.B.A., Ph.D.   

(NAPSI)-Reading medicine labels every time you use a prescription or non-prescription medication and learning about potential drug interactions are two critical steps to your pets' good health. You can avoid most potentially harmful drug interactions and adverse reactions with a little bit of knowledge coupled with common sense. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration estimates extra health care costs from lack of compliance with medicine directions to be at least $20 billion a year. Reading medicine labels is an important way to help prevent unnecessary drug complications and the associated expenses. When medications are prescribed by veterinarians for pets, owners should read the labels carefully in order to answer these very important questions: What is the name of the medication, and what is it supposed to do? How and when do I give it, and for how long? What foods, liquids, other medicines or activities should my pet avoid while taking this medication? Are there side effects? What signs should I watch for? What do I do if they occur? Will this new prescription work safely with other prescriptions and medicines my pet is taking? Is there written information available about the medicine? It's smart to write down the answers to these questions immediately to make sure you'll remember all the details. When actually reading labels and handling medicine containers, try to practice the following: Carefully read medicine labels for a description of the drug, its indications, dosing and administration, contraindications and precautions, warnings and information on adverse reactions. Always give all of the medication prescribed for your pet, unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian. Discard outdated medicine. Store medicine in its original container, where the label identifies it and gives directions. Storing medicine properly not only protects curious children and pets but prevents container mix-ups. Avoid exposure to children and other pets. Keeping more than one medication in the same bottle also creates confusion and may alter the chemical composition of certain drugs. Always use child-proof caps on medication bottles. Never use medicine for purposes not mentioned on the label, unless directed to do so by the veterinarian. Read the label about the product's features concerning tampering. Look at the package for tampering signs such as broken seals, puncture holes, or open or damaged wrappings. Understanding label lingo is sometimes half the battle. Have you ever read a prescription written "T.1 cap. p.o. q.d."? Unless you're a Latin scholar, you are unlikely to know that this is pharmacist talk for "take one capsule by mouth every day." Finally, make sure you consult your veterinarian with any questions related to prescribed medications. It's a good idea to check the prescription before you leave the veterinarian's office. If there's anything you don't understand, ask about it. Make sure you thoroughly understand how your pet could exhibit side effects. It's important to take the extra time needed to fully understand these labels. Your pet will thank you. -Steven Fox, M.S., D.V.M., M.B.A., Ph.D., ., managing technical services veterinarian in the Companion Animal Division of Pfizer Animal Health, is an expert on pain management in companion animals.

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