Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Reading medicine labels

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Example of an over-the-counter Drug Facts label
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Information about over-the-counter drugs can be found on labels attached to the product. Sometimes there is more information on or inside the product packaging.

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Example of the Active Ingredient section of an over-the-counter Drug Facts label
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An ACTIVE INGREDIENT is the part of the medicine that affects your body in a particular way. If the medicine is a sleeping aid, the active ingredient is what makes you sleepy. If it is a cream for rashes, the active ingredient is what helps relieve the symptoms. A product can have more than one active ingredient. "Generic" medicines have the same amount of the same active ingredients as more expensive brand-name medicines, and they work just as well.

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Example of the Uses section of an over-the-counter Drug Facts label
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The USES section explains what the product is used for, as well as the symptoms it's approved to treat.

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Example of the Warnings section of an over-the-counter Drug Facts label
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The WARNINGS section tells you what to be aware of before using this product, including what substances or activities to avoid, possible side effects, and what to do if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

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Example of the Directions section of an over-the-counter Drug Facts label
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The DIRECTIONS show the recommended dosage of the product. This includes both how much to take and how often to take it.

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Example of the Other Information section of an over-the-counter Drug Facts label
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The OTHER INFORMATION section explains how to store the product. It may also remind you to use the product by the expiration date (located on the package, or on the side or bottom of the medicine bottle).

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Example of the Inactive Ingredients section of an over-the-counter Drug Facts label
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INACTIVE INGREDIENTS in medicine are the parts that have no effect on your body at the amounts used. Inactive ingredients may help preserve the product, affect its color, or put the active ingredient into a shape or consistency that's safe, effective, and easy for you to take or use.

Current as of: September 25, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: September 25, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Dear patient

I am excited to announce that I will be relocating my practice to Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates. Starting November 4, 2024, my new address will be:

Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates
6550 Fannin St.
Smith Tower, Suite 1901
Houston, TX 77030

Please note that my phone number and fax number will also change to the following:
24-Hour Telephone: 713-441-1100
Fax: 713-790-2643
Clinical Support Telephone (M-F, 8-5): 713-441-3515

I am excited about caring for you in my new office and hope you will make the transition with me. I will also continue to refill your medications as I have in the past. To assist, please provide your pharmacy with my new contact information.

Please consider checking your prescription refills to verify that you have enough medication on hand to last you until your next visit. Please note that your medical records will remain at my former office until you authorize their transfer. If you choose for me to continue providing your medical care, please complete and sign the enclosed “Authorization for Release of Medical Records” form and fax it to 713-790-2643. Once we receive your authorization, we will be happy to process the request for you.

Thank you for entrusting me with your medical care. My new team and I are dedicated to making this transition as seamless as possible. For help scheduling an appointment and transitioning your care, please call my new office number above.

I look forward to continuing your care at my new location.

Sincerely,
Gopi A. Shah, MD

Dear patient

Dr. Albert Raizner, Dr. Michael Raizner, and Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary are excited to announce that our practice, Houston Cardiovascular Associates, will merge with Houston Cardiovascular Associates on November 1, 2024.

Our new offices are similarly located in Houston, near the Texas Medical Center and in Sugar Land. Our in-hospital care will continue at Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center and Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Importantly, our new offices expand our services with state-of-the-art equipment and amenities. Our core values will always be, as they began over 40 years ago when Dr. Albert Raizner founded HCA:

Integrity – Compassion – Accountability

Our new address and contact information are:

Your medical records are confidential and remain available at our new locations. We consider it a privilege to serve as your cardiologists and look forward to your continuing with us. However, should you desire to transfer to another physician, you may request a copy of your records by contacting us at our new addresses and phone numbers listed above.

We thank you for your trust and loyalty. As always, we will continue to be here to take care of you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Albert Raizner,
Dr. Michael Raizner,
Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary