Be an active partner in your health care!The Essential Guide to Prescription Drugs provides more detailed and comprehensive profiles on the most important drugs currently in use than any other reference source available to the general public. The most trusted source of information for over twenty years, this fully revised and updated edition features cost-saving advice for consumers as well as tips on how pharmacists and physicians can control medical costs, making it a resource doctors, pharmacists, and other health-care professionals will also want to consult. Within each drug profile, you'll find:the benefits versus the risks of the drug highlighted in an easy-to-read, quick reference boxhow the drug is supplied, including brand names and available genericswhat the drug is used for -- including hard-to-find unlabeled useshow the drug works, and what to do if you miss a dosehow safe it is to take, including the possible risks of taking it and interactions with herbal or prescription medicinespossible effects of the drug on sexual functionwhether it's safe to use if you're pregnant or breastfeedingprecautions to take if you're over sixty