Answers from
The Pharmacists
America Trusts^SM

Answer:It can't be emphasized too strongly: Do not take prescription medication that was not specifically prescribed for you. Your spouse's medication was prescribed for her based on her health history (including her age, weight, other medications she takes, and other health conditions she may have) and her specific diagnosis. In the case of arthritis, this is important: There are more than 100 types of arthritis with varying types of treatment. You may not have the same type of arthritis as your wife.

Taking prescription medications that are not prescribed for you is illegal, and what is worse is that doing so can result in very serious complications as a result of incorrect dosage, interactions with other medications you may be taking, or an allergy to one of the medication's ingredients.

Ask your pharmacist about using an appropriate over-the-counter medication to treat your condition until you can consult your doctor about prescription therapy.

Visit the Walgreens.com Health Library Arthritis Care Guide for more arthritis self-care information.

View Arthritis products available from Walgreens.com

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

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