Information Leaflet.

Study the article. Note down key words and specify them.

All drugs are dispensed with a patient instruction leaflet, also known as a drug information leaflet, that provides important information relating to the use of the drug. The most important points in this package insert will be explained by the doctor or pharmacist but it is vital that every patient reads and understands the information on the leaflet.

Drug indications are those diseases, signs and symptoms that may be treated by using a specific drug. A drug indication does not suggest complete resolution, total relief or a cure from using the drug but is based on success achieved in clinical trials. For example : Paracetamol is indicated for pain and fever.

Contraindications refer to those conditions, physical, mental or emotional state as well as other signs and symptoms which may be present where a specific drug should not be used. A contraindication indicates that by using the drug in these instances, there is a chance of side effects and complications arising. Drug contraindications should not be ignored as these warnings are based on clinical research and the understanding of the potential pharmacological hazards of certain chemical interactions. For example : Aspirin is contraindicated in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding.

Side effects are the signs and symptoms that may arise as a result of using a specific drug. These complications are usually due to the pharmacological action of the drug, dependent on the dose, frequency and duration of use as well as the individual sensitivity and tolerance of the user. For example : Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of antibiotics.

Warnings related to a specific drug serve as notice to inform the patient that there may be risk in using the drug in certain diseases or medical states. A warning is not a definite indication that the drug may cause any complications but should be used cautiously or avoided altogether in certain cases. For example : Hormone replacement drugs high in progesterone should be used cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease.

9. Using the prescribed information, choose the most appropriate antibiotic for these patients. 1. A 4-year-old-boy with meningitis due to pneumococcus. He is allergic to penicillin. 2. A 67-year-old man with a history of chronic bronchitis now suffering from pneumonia. The causative organism is resistant to tetracycline. 3. A 27-year-old woman with urinary tract infection in early pregnancy. 4. A 4-year-old gilr with a septic arthritis due to to haemophilus influenzae. 5. An 18-year-old man with left leg amputation above the knee following a road traffic accident. 6. A 50-year-old woman with endocarditis caused by ctrep.viridans. 7. A 13-year-old girl with disfiguring acne. 8. An 8-year-old boy with tonsillitis due to ß-haemolytic streptococcus. 9. A 43-year-old dairyman with brucellosis. 10. A 4-year-old unimmunized sibling of a 2-year-old boy with whooping cough.

Using Lay Terms in Explanations Explanations should be given in words the patient will understand, avoiding medical jargon. Using lay terms – words familiar to people without medical knowledge – can help patients undertand explanations. Some lay terms for medication

Some lay terms for medical conditions

Most patients do not have any medical knowledge, so it is important to use simple words they will understand when talking about certain parts of the body or medical condition

8. Replace the underlined words and phrases with appropriate lay terms. 1. Mr Harris, I’m afraid your wife‘s suffered an acute cerebrovascular event. 2. The urethra runs through the middle of the prostate. 3 .The reason for your nocturia is that the prostate is enlarged. 4. Do you suffer from dyspnoe when you exert yourself? 5. I’m going to give you an analgesic and an anti-inflammatory for your sprained ankle. 6. I’m putting you on an anti-depressant for a short time to help you get back to normal life.

Word formation

Nouns

A fast way to expand your vocabulary is to make sure you know the different forms of the

words you learn.

The words in this list are all verbs. What are the noun forms? Write them in the

second column.

Rewrite the sentences below, changing the verbs (which are in bold) to nouns. Do not change the meaning of the sentences, but be prepared to make grammatical changes if necessary.

Opposites - prefixes

English often uses prefixes to create opposites. There are several different prefixes that are

used.

Choose the right prefix for each of the adjectives below and write them into the table.

Use ten of the adjectives in the table to complete these sentences. 1.He was found unconscious in the street.

2. He felt ________________ and had to go home.

3. The serum makes the poison ________________.

4. The children have a very _______________ diet.

5. The nurse noted that the patient had developed an ________________ pulse.

6. She used to play a lot of tennis, but she became ________________ in the winter.

7. The surgeon decided that the cancer was ________________.

8. Cholera spread rapidly because of the ________________ conditions in the town.

9. The patient was showing signs of an ________________ mental condition.

10. She has an ________________ desire to drink alcohol.