Hartford – Rep. James Maroney
(D-Milford, Orange) testified before the General Law Committee in favor of a bill he authored, House Bill 5418, An Act Concerning Prescription Drug Labels, to improve the labeling of prescription medication by making directions easier to understand.
“If patients properly take their prescribed medication, many accidental overdoses could be avoided. They are more likely to have a quicker recovery and avoid a relapse of the original condition as well as avoid additional hospitalization or treatment - saving the patient and State of Connecticut in health care costs,” Rep. Maroney said.
Labels would include clear instructions for use, improved font size and type, and additional language options.
Maroney serves on the Higher Education and Employment Advancement, Insurance and Real Estate, and Public Health committees.
Link to testimony video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hrjFl4oECqU
I applaud you for introducing this. Before she died, my mother was on a wealth of meds andas she aged, she had difficulty with what to take. I took over setting her meds up, but tried to teach her what she was taking. Something you might consider in making changes are: A description and drawing or photo on the label in order to determine if the meds are correct. The color and shape should be consistant. (I found this to be a BIG problem. She would just become familiar with the med and the color and shape would change.) The pharmacist is of vital importance in keeping you alert to any problems. Find one with whom you can maintain a relationship.