Medication Safety Tips
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- Take a list of your medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, with you to each doctor's appointment or hospital admission.
- Review the prescription with your doctor. Make sure you understand exactly what the medication is, how often you take it and why you will be taking it. Then follow the directions on the bottle exactly.
- If asked, the pharmacist should discuss all prescriptions directly with you and supply written information as well.
- If you notice any problem or side effect that you think may be related to a drug you are taking, notify your physician and your pharmacist immediately.
- Remember that some herbal products, vitamins and minerals may interact with certain drugs so make sure your doctor and pharmacist knows if you are taking any of these kinds of medicines.
- Always take the full course of the medication. Otherwise, you won't get the full benefit of the drug you are taking and you are wasting your money.
- Don't discontinue or change the dosage of your medication without your physician's approval.
- Don't let drug company advertising fool you into thinking you may need a drug that your doctor hasn't prescribed. Unnecessary prescriptions add to your overall health costs.
- Keep all medications in their original container to avoid taking the wrong one.
- Discard medicines after the expiration date by putting unused medication in the toilet and flushing immediately.
- Don't share your medicine with someone else. Every person's health needs and reactions to drugs are different.
- Keep medicines away from children - our of sight and reach. Leave safety caps on.
- Store medications properly in a dry place away from direct sunlight and at room temperature unless otherwise instructed.
- If you forget a dose, call your pharmacist or physician. Don't take a double dose unless instructed to do so.
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