This article will help you understand theabbreviationsincluded when your healthcare provider writes a prescription.
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Parts of a Prescription
A prescription is always written in a specific way.
Your first and last name, along with a date of birth, are displayed.
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Some states require an address.
Other elements, including the license number, may be unfamiliar.
A note called “Disp” refers to this information about how the drug should be dispensed.
The information includes how often you take your medication and the reason for it, called the indication.
This abbreviation means one pill.
There may be one to 4 Ts with dots at the top of them signifying one to four pills.
Some prescriptions include “dispense as written,” or DAW, in the instructions.
This means that no substitute should be used.
As with other medications, your healthcare provider information (name, office address, NPI, etc.)
will appear on the penicillin prescription.
So will a signature and the date.
Newer Prescriptions Are Often Simpler
In the digital era, prescriptions may be simpler to read.
Pharmacies, too, have easy-to-read information in plain language.
Usually, you could receive these forms when you pick up the drug.
If not, ask the pharmacist if you have questions.
Healthcare providers want you to know what you’re taking and why, and feel confident about your treatment.
If you suspect an error on your prescription, notify your healthcare provider and pharmacist right away.
The notations on your prescription are part of a standard format, written in both English and Latin.
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Drug Enforcement Administration.Prescriptions Q&A.
University of Minnesota.Prescription abbreviations.
Minnesota.gov.Partial list of prescription abbreviations.
American Medical Association.Patient rights.
