Mastering Pharmacy Labels and Essential Health Supplies

Understanding Your Prescription Label

1. Pharmacy Name and Address: Displayed at the top of the prescription label is the name and address of the pharmacy that filled the prescription.

2. Pharmacy Phone Number: Found near the pharmacy’s name and address.

3. Prescription Number: A key element of the label, needed to refill the prescription.

4. Prescribing Doctor and Fill Date: The doctor’s name appears on the label (location may vary), along with the date the prescription was filled, which can affect insurance coverage.

5. Patient’s Name: Clearly shows who the prescription is for; sometimes includes the patient’s address.

6. Directions for Taking the Drug: One of the most important parts of the prescription label. These instructions tell exactly how to take or use the medicine, as decided by the doctor when the prescription was written.

7. Quantity in the Container: The number of tablets or capsules is listed. If it’s a liquid, the volume (in mL) is shown.

8. Brand Name of the Drug: Shows the name of the medication. If it is generic, the generic name will appear instead of the brand name.

9. Dose or Strength of the Drug: The amount taken at one time. It may be shown as weight (e.g., 250 mg), volume (e.g., 10 mL, 2 drops), number of units (e.g., 1 capsule), or another form (e.g., 2 puffs).

10. Refills Left: Tells whether the prescription can be refilled and how many times. If no refills are allowed, a doctor’s approval is required.

11. Generic Name of the Drug: The chemical or non-brand name of the medicine.

12. Expiration Date: Do not use the medication after this date. Expired medicines can be unsafe and should be thrown away.

13. Safety Reminders: Warnings to help prevent side effects, such as risks related to pregnancy, allergies, chronic diseases, and whether to take it with food or water.

Diabetes: Definition and Common Symptoms

What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use it properly. This causes high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood.

Common Symptoms of Diabetes:

• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing wounds

Pharmacy English: Comparatives and Superlatives

Complete the sentences using comparatives or superlatives as needed:

1. The accident has been WORSE than I thought. (bad)
2. Her illness is MORE SERIOUS than what the doctors expected. (serious)
3. This winter, the coronavirus is MORE INFECTIOUS than the flu. (infectious)
4. This aloe gel is FRESHER than any I have used. (fresh)
5. Ebre's Institute is the FURTHEST place in Tarragona to study to be a pharmacy technician. (far)
6. This is the STRONGEST painkiller available without a prescription. (strong)
7. You look BETTER than yesterday. (good)
8. Last night the pain was MORE SEVERE than it was this morning. (severe)
9. Your injury is DEEPER than mine.

The MOST EXPENSIVE creams are not always the BEST creams that you can find in a pharmacy.

Pharmacist and Patient Role Play

Pharmacist: Good morning. Here is your paracetamol.

Patient: Thank you. How should I take it?

Pharmacist: You should take one 500 mg tablet every 4-6 hours, but no more than 4 tablets a day.

Patient: Do I need to take it with food?

Pharmacist: It is not necessary, but if you have an upset stomach, you can take it after eating.

Patient: How long should I take it for?

Pharmacist: You can take it for 3-5 days, but if your symptoms do not improve, you should consult your doctor.

Patient: Are there any side effects?

Pharmacist: Paracetamol is generally safe, but if you take more than the recommended dose, it can damage your liver. Do not combine it with other medicines that also contain paracetamol.

Patient: Can I drink alcohol while taking this?

Pharmacist: No, avoid alcohol, as it can increase the risk of liver damage.

Patient: Thank you very much.

Pharmacist: You are welcome! If you have any questions or issues, feel free to return to the pharmacy.

Essential Baby Care Products (Productos de Bebé)

• Baby cologne: Colonia de bebé
• Baby scissors: Tijeras de bebé
• Baby wipes: Toallitas de bebé
• Bath gel: Gel de baño
• Body milk: Leche corporal
• Brush-comb set: Conjunto de cepillo y peine
• Cotton swabs: Bastoncillos de algodón
• Cream for diaper rash: Crema para eritema del pañal
• Nappies / Diapers: Pañales
• Natural sponge: Esponja natural
• Ointment for diaper rash: Pomada para eritema del pañal
• Shampoo: Champú
• Talcum powder: Polvos de talco
• Anatomical teat: Tetina anatómica
• Baby bottle / Feeding bottle: Biberón
• Baby food / Porridge: Papillas
• Baby milk: Leche para el bebé
• Breastfeeding: Amamantamiento
• Jar of baby food: Potitos de comida para bebé
• Milk powder dispenser / Scoop: Dispensador/cucharita de leche
• Powdered milk: Leche en polvo
• Slow flow latex teat: Tetina de flujo lento
• Teat / Nipple: Tetina
• Teething ring: Anillo mordedor
• Three-position latex teat: Tetina de látex de tres posiciones
• Three-position silicone teat: Tetina de silicona de tres posiciones
• Weaning: Destete
• Weaning spoons: Cucharillas para el destete

Using Much and Many in Pharmacy Contexts

1. Many tablets should not be taken at once without a doctor’s advice.
2. The patient does not need much medicine because the symptoms are mild.
3. There aren’t many suppositories left in the box.
4. You shouldn’t use much of the inhalation spray in one day.

Key Medical Definitions

Suppositories (Supositorios): Solid medicine inserted into the rectum, vagina, or urethra, where it melts and is absorbed by the body.

Inhalation (Inhalación): A method to take medicine by breathing it into the lungs, often using an inhaler or nebulizer.

Tablets (Tabletas o comprimidos): Solid, often round medicines taken by mouth and swallowed with water.

Oral Hygiene Products (Productos Higiene Bucal)

• Alcohol-free mouthwash: Colutorio sin alcohol
• Dental floss: Hilo dental
• Fluoride toothpaste: Pasta de dientes fluorada
• Mouthwash: Colutorio
• Mouthwash for sensitive gums: Colutorio para encías sensibles
• Sensitive toothpaste: Pasta para dientes sensibles
• Toothpaste for sensitive gums: Pasta para dientes para encías
• Whitening toothpaste: Pasta de dientes blanqueadora