Medication Safety

Medications can be wonderful tools for the care of people of all ages. But if taken improperly, they have the potential to cause problems. Taking medicines is not always as simple as swallowing a pill. It can involve many steps and decisions each day. Your doctor and pharmacist are the best people to help you understand your medicines and organize them so that you take them safely.

Before you take any medicine, read the label. The label should show: a list of ingredients (if you are allergic to anything in the medicine, don't use it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a different medicine), warnings specific to this medicine, and an expiration date that tells you when to throw unused medicines away.

Medicines that are prescribed, those that you buy without a prescription (over- the counter), and home remedies can sometimes cause side-effects or problems. The best way to avoid problems with medicines is to be organized. The following tips can help you avoid problems and get the best results from your medicines: Return to top

•Do take medicines as directed, the amount and time are important.
•Do tell the doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to anything or side effects with a particular medication.
•Do keep a record of the drugs you are on. Include the name of each drug, the amount you take and the time you take them.This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal products. Bring this list with you each time you visit your doctor(s).
•Do check the expiration dates on your medicine bottles and throw them away if they have passed this date.
•Do store your medications properly as directed.
•Do be careful with over-the-counter medications and herbal products-they may not be safe.
•Do let your doctor know if you experience problems with a medication.
Do not stop taking a prescription drug unless you have checked with your doctor, even if you feel better.
•Do not take more or less than the prescribed amount of any drug.
•Do not mix alcohol and medicine unless your doctor says it's okay. Some drugs may not work well or make you sick if taken with alcohol.
•Do not take drugs prescribed for another person or give yours to someone else. •Do not transfer a drug from it's original bottle to another bottle. Return to top
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