Types of risks from medicine use:

• the possibility of a harmful interaction between the medicine and a food, beverage, diatery supplement or another medicine.
• the chance that the medicine may not work as expected
• the possibility that the medicine may cause additional problems (See Medications and Side Effects: What I should know? and Tips for Safe Medicine Use ).

Durable Medical Equipment (DME)

Durable Medical Equipment is certain medical equipment that is ordered by a doctor for use in the home that can be provided to patients by certains pharmacies. Not all pharmacies carry DME supplies. Pharmacies that carry DME supplies bill Medicaid for you.You have no out of pocket expenses.

Some examples of DME include:

• Aerochambers & peak flow meters for asthma management
• Strips, alcohol, lancets & monitors for Diabetes
• Oxygen and supplies
• Power wheelchairs, scooters, and related accessories
• Mail order diabetic supplies
• Enteral nutrition, equipment, and supplies
• Continuous Positive Airways Pressure (CPAP) devices, Respiratory Assist Device (RADs) and related supplies and accessories
• Hospital beds and related accessories
• Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) Pumps and related supplies and accessories
• Walkers and related accessories
• Therapeutic shoes and inserts
• Orthotic and Prosthetic devices.

Pharmacy/Medication Management

The Carolina Community Health Partnership Network of Cleveland County and Rutherford County encourages physicians, patients and managed care professionals to ensure better medication management. We would like patients to become more involved in their health care.

When it comes to using medicines, there is no such thing as completely safe. All medicines have risks. FDA approval of a drug simply means that the benefits outweigh the known risks. Managing medication compliance improves outcomes.

It is recommendated consumers become more active in the following way:

• Speak Up! The more information your health care team members know about you, the better. Discuss the following with your doctor.
  • your medical history
  • allergies and sensitivities
  • prescription medicines and over-the-counter medicines you take routinely and occasionally
  • dietary supplements, including vitamins and herbals
• Ask questions!
• Learn The Facts!
• Follow Directions!
• Report Back To The Team!

Although medicines can make you feel better and help you get well, it is important to know that all medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter, have risks as well as benefits.