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October isn’t just for Halloween, pumpkin spice lattes, start of Ugg season, and Oktoberfest. October is also American Pharmacists Month. #APhM2018 Did you know that over 6 million Americans, age 12 and older, have misused a prescription painkiller, sedative, or stimulant in the past month? Are you using medications safely? Take the quiz to find out!

Can You Pass This Halloween "Is It Candy Or Is It Medicine" Medication Safety Quiz?

Short conversations with a local pharmacist can make a big difference. From advising on allergies to diabetes to heart disease and more, pharmacists simplify care with easy access to answers that bring relief. #APhM2018

This is an over the counter medicine called diphenhydramine, typically used for allergies. It looks very similar to Pez candy.

Did you know that more than 50 million Americans use a medicine that contains acetaminophen each week? Acetaminophen is the most common drug ingredient in America, found in more than 600 different over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription (Rx) medicines. [https://www.knowyourdose.org](https://www.knowyourdose.org/get-the-facts/)

This is an over the counter medicine called acetaminophen. It looks very similar to Tic Tacs.

It is not safe to tell a child that their medicine is candy to encourage them to take it. If a child were to find the bottle in the future, it could lead to an accidental overdose.

Medicines can come in all shapes and sizes, including gummies.

In most cases, it is best to store medications in their original containers to avoid confusion with candy or other medications.

This is a medicine called chlorpheniramine, typically used for allergies. It looks very similar to Smarties candies.

Consider passing out non-candy treats (such as school supplies) to your trick-or-treaters. Visit [JDRF.org](http://JDRF.org) for more information about Type 1 Diabetes.

This is an over the counter medicine called aspirin, typically used for headaches or pain. It looks very similar to the Smarties candy. For many families with newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D), few words instill as much fear as Halloween.

Did you know your pharmacist can explain the medication label, tell you about interactions with other drugs or foods, package your tablets, and be a bridge between you and your prescriber? Pharmacists are easy to reach and ready to help. Make sense of your medications. Visit your pharmacist.

This is an over the counter medicine called calcium carbonate, typically used for heart burn symptoms. It looks very similar to Altoids mints.

Did you know that caffeine can raise your blood pressure temporarily? High blood pressure puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke? Almost 50% of U.S. adults has high blood pressure. Pharmacists can help you prevent and manage high blood pressure through team-based care and ensuring your blood pressure is tested and documented on a regular basis. Don’t stress about your blood pressure when pharmacists can save the day.

This is caffeine, a medicine typically used to assist with alertness. It looks very similar to Smarties candies.

Similarly, if someone is hurt when you give them your prescription drugs, you could be liable for any harm experienced by the person to whom you provided the medication.

Depending on individual state laws, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription may result in a felony charge, with penalties which could include fines and/or imprisonment.

True or False? You can't really get in that much trouble for giving your medicine to someone else.

Pharmacists can tell you whether a supplement is from a reputable manufacturer that follows quality standards. They can tell you how supplements, medications, and foods may interact. Team with your pharmacist to live your best life.

Before you choose and use a dietary supplement, talk with your pharmacist. Did you know that the FDA does not regulate supplements as it does with prescription and over-the-counter medications?

True or False? Vitamins and supplements are natural products and go through the same quality checks just like prescription medications.

In addition to safely providing medicine, pharmacists offer lots of different services as part of their commitment to helping patients live healthier lives. Plus, pharmacists are easy to reach: 89% of Americans live within five miles of a community pharmacy. [https://pharmacistsmonth.com](https://pharmacistsmonth.com/pharmacists-can-help/)

Pharmacists are important members of your health care team. But do you know how much a pharmacist can really do for you?

If you ever have any questions about medicine, you should talk to a pharmacist.

October is American Pharmacists Month #APhM2018

I scored 1 out of 10 right! Are you as safe about medications as you thought?

I scored 2 out of 10 right! Are you as safe about medications as you thought?

I scored 3 out of 10 right! Are you as safe about medications as you thought?

I scored 4 out of 10 right! Are you as safe about medications as you thought?

I scored 5 out of 10 right! Are you as safe about medications as you thought?

I scored 6 out of 10 right! Are you as safe about medications as you thought?

I scored 7 out of 10 right! Are you as safe about medications as you thought?

I scored 8 out of 10 right! Are you as safe about medications as you thought?

I scored 9 out of 10 right! Are you as safe about medications as you thought?

I scored 10 out of 10 right! Are you as safe about medications as you thought?

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Can You Pass This Halloween "Is It Candy Or Is It Medicine" Medication Safety Quiz?

If you work as a pharmacist or pharmacy student, you can access other medication safety resources at https://www.pharmacist.com/apha-npn-community-health-ambassador-program

Can You Pass This Halloween "Is It Candy Or Is It Medicine" Medication Safety Quiz?

If you work as a pharmacist or pharmacy student, you can access other medication safety resources at https://www.pharmacist.com/apha-npn-community-health-ambassador-program

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