09/05/2026
When your physician prescribes a medication, do you just fill it at your pharmacy and start taking it without any thought?
Here is a true story of why you should NEVER blindly take any medication.
Case Study:
Patient is a middle aged female who has a long term history of chronic fungal sinus infections confirmed through CT scans.
She meets with her Ear, Throat and Nose physician for what presents as a potential, severe sinus infection.
She has been under the care of this specialist for two years and they have a positive patient-physician relationship with open dialog and mutual respect. He is highly experienced in his specialized field and has been practicing for over twenty-five years.
He had the patient on a very strong, compounded antifungal nasal wash/rinse (Itraconazole with a topical steroid) for over a year to prevent her from developing a severe sinus fungal infection.
She stopped taking the sinus rinse a few months prior to this appointment.
Reason: She had been monitoring her liver with her primary care physician and her liver enzymes had been high for several months.
After examining the patient at this recent appointment, the specialist determines she has a severe sinus infection. He takes a sinus specimen sample to culture for bacteria.
He prescribes two weeks of an oral antibiotic for what he believes is a bacterial infection but understands she could also have a fungal infection.
The patient expresses concern about also treating for a fungal infection.
He advises her to refill the compounded antifungal nasal wash to treat her sinuses, swish a little inside her mouth and swallow it to eradicate the fungal infection in her gut.
The patient goes home, calls the compounding pharmacy and speaks to the pharmacist.
After explaining what her ENT specialist has instructed her to do with regards to oral consumption, the pharmacist immediately says NO.
This nasal wash is NOT intended for oral consumption and could cause damage if taken orally.
The patient calls the physician's office two weeks later to discover the culture was negative for bacteria. The nurse leaves her a voice mail message, including the same, incorrect nasal wash instructions from the consult notes.
HOW DO I KNOW THIS?
Because the patient was ME!
This is why:
1. ALWAYS utilize your pharmacist as a trusted resource
2. NEVER assume that your physician comprehends the potential side effects and dangers of medications.
3. My high performing clients retain me.
Would you have just followed the physician's prescription instructions blindly?
Imagine what damage might have occurred if you did?
