Drugs, Information and Directions

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Answers from
The Pharmacists
America Trusts
SM

Topic: Drugs, Information and Directions

C2 Drugs: Can you explain what a C2 drug is?

Clinical Trials: I am considering participating in a clinical trial for a new medication. What kind of information should I have before I agree?

Clinical Trial Types: I heard about a clinical trial for my illness, and it was called a treatment trial. Can you tell me what a treatment trial is?

Compounding: Can you explain what compounding is and why you’d need it?

Controlled Drug: What is a controlled drug?

Creams vs. Ointments: My doctor gave me a cream formulation of a medication that also comes in an ointment formula. What is the difference?

Dosage Measurements: What is the difference between a cc (cubic centimeter) and an ml (milliliter)?

Ingredients: What are active ingredients and inactive ingredients?

Lactose in Medications : I’ve just been diagnosed as being lactose intolerant and am watching my dairy intake. How does a person become lactose intolerant? Can the lactose in oral medications cause me problems?

Levothyroxine: What is levothyroxine, and are there differences between the brand-name and generic versions?

NDC: What does NDC stand for?

NSAID: What is an NSAID?

Prescription Abbreviations: I'd like to be able to understand the prescription slips I get from my doctor. Can you tell me the most common abbreviations and what they mean?

Presurgery Directions: If I am not supposed to eat or drink the night before and/or morning of my medical procedure, what should I do about taking my nighttime and morning medication?

Transferring Prescriptions: If I have a prescription on file at another pharmacy, can I refill it at Walgreens?

Swallowing Pills: I have trouble swallowing pills. I’ve heard that compounding can help. Can any medication be made into a liquid or patch formulation?

Take with Food: When the directions for taking a medication say "Take with food," what exactly does that mean— take it during a meal?

View the Walgreens.com Ask a Pharmacist Archives for a list of all commonly asked questions.

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