Prescribing

Doctors should exercise caution when prescribing opioids.

The doctor reviewed the patient's medical chart to check for any allergies or past medical conditions before prescribing new medication.

Herman Goossens, the study's lead author, says resistance to antibiotics can result from prescribing the drugs inappropriately, such as for viral infections. He says that can have serious health consequences for people infected with a bacteria that no longer responds to antibiotics.

Whether and how alcohol affects a medication’s safety and effectiveness should be noted on the medication’s prescribing label.