Have you ever stared at your prescription and thought, “Is this English or Greek?” You are not alone!
For many Nigerians, getting a prescription feels like being handed a secret code: abbreviations everywhere, handwriting that looks like a riddle (no shade to doctors 😉), and instructions you’re not entirely sure about. Most people simply nod, take the paper, and hope the pharmacist understands what the doctor meant.
Here’s the truth: Understanding what’s written on your prescription is one of the most important parts of managing your health safely.
Think about this—a small mix-up in dosage or timing can make your medication less effective, cause side effects, or even worsen your condition. And with so many Nigerians self-medicating or buying over-the-counter (OTC) drugs without a full understanding, mistakes happen more often than we realize.
Knowing how to read your prescription puts the power back in your hands. It helps you:
- Understand what you’re taking and why
- Ask smarter questions instead of asking Google or ChatGPT
- Take charge of your health
What’s on a Typical Prescription Slip?
A standard prescription contains key details that help guide your treatment:
- Patient Information: Your full name, age, and sometimes weight (especially for kids).
- Drug Name: The generic name or brand name for your medication.
- Dosage: The strength of the drug (e.g., 500 mg tablets).
- Frequency: How often should you take it (e.g., food 5 days).
- Duration: How long the medication should be taken (e.g., for 5 days).
- Doctor’s signature & Date: Confirm authenticity and accountability.
Understanding these sections ensures you can double-check for errors or confirm you’re getting exactly what your doctor prescribed.
Let’s break down how you can read your prescription like a pro, one abbreviation at a time. I promise, no medical degree required!
| Abbreviation | Meaning | Example |
| b.d. | Twice daily | Take morning and night |
| t.d.s | Three times daily | Every 8 hours |
| q.d.s | Four times daily | Every 6 hours |
| p.r.n | As needed | For pain or fever |
| stat | Immediately | Take right away |
| o.d | Once daily | Take once in the morning |
| po | By mouth | Oral medication |
Being familiar with these terms helps you take the right dose at the right time and avoid potentially harmful mistakes.
When reading your prescription, watch out for look-alike drug names. Some medications may sound or look similar but have completely different effects. For example:
- Celebrex (for pain) vs Celexa (for depression)
- Amaryl (for diabetes) vs Amoxil (antibiotics)
If you ever notice a name that seems “off” or different from what you remember, double-check with your pharmacist before using it.
Reading your prescription like a pro isn’t about becoming a pharmacist or a doctor. It’s about taking charge of your health.
The next time you get a prescription, take a moment to understand it. Know what you’re taking, why you’re taking it, and how it helps.
