Do not assume over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or “natural” supplements are safe. Read labels carefully. OTC medicines must have warnings and directions, but most natural products don’t. Avoid them unless you have careful instructions from a health professional.

There can be wallet friendly options for people reeling at the ever-increasing costs of brand name prescription drugs. The trick is knowing what you can substitute and when. It’s not easy.

Kathy Justice, R.Ph., has been a pharmacist for over two decades. More and more in recent years she’s heard the following statement from people who frequent the pharmacy she manages at the Charlestown community built and managed by Erickson:

“But this has to be safe. It’s made from herbs and flowers.”

There are indeed many wondrous medicines that come from nature. “Digoxin, a heart medicine, is made from a plant,” Justice points out. And more and more “natural” therapies are being accepted by mainstream medicine.