Mentioned in this episode

NaPodPoMo http://napodpomo.org

Pronounce Drug Names Like a Pro Online Course https://www.kimnewlove.com

FDA Medication Guides Search Page

FDA-Approved Drugs Search Page

USAN Drug Name Pronunciation Guide

Guide to pronunciation

I'm publishing one podcast episode per day in the month of November 2020 as part of a challenge called NaPodPoMo. It stands for National Podcast Post Month. November is National Podcast Post Month, and the goal of the challenge is 30 podcast episodes in 30 days. This is a bite-sized episode, which I'm using to help promote my new online course: Pronounce Drug Names Like a Pro.

In today's episode, I share few ways to find brand-name drug pronunciations. Finding the official pronunciations for some brand-name drugs can be a challenge. Unfortunately, there isn't a dictionary for them.

Brand name drugs have unique names for safety reasons. Confusingly similar drug names can lead to errors. Errors can cause harm. Brand drug names are usually shorter and easier to pronounce. It shouldn't be that hard to pronounce them, but sometimes it is; even for me.

There are many ways to find brand name drug pronunciations. Try looking inside package inserts and medication guides that are physically attached to brand name drugs or in the product packaging. If you don't work in a pharmacy, but you want to access the pronunciations, go to the FDA's website. Search for package inserts and medication guides for drugs. The information is not always there, but when it is, it comes from the drug company. Navigating the pages is explained in my course using screen-sharing videos.

If you see marks that indicate long vowel sounds and short vowel sounds, use a pronunciation guide to interpret them. I like the drug names that are written in "common language" without marks or assumptions that you know long and short vowel sounds. Watch for the syllables with the emphasis. They are usually noted by capitalized letters or prime symbols. Also note the separation between the syllables.