It is important that you make
sure you understand the exact dose and timing of each medication from your physician when
he/she prescribes it. Verify the information with your pharmacist when you have the
prescriptions filled.
If you go to different physicians for different conditions, it is
extremely important to tell all of them about each medication you are taking. It may help
to carry a list with you at all times. Make sure your pharmacy has a record of all the
medications that you take - including any over-the-counter medications.
Write your daily schedule for medications on a calendar or chart. Be
sure to update the schedule each time your medication changes.
Follow the schedule exactly, and take the exact dosage prescribed
by your physician.
Use a weekly or daily pill organizer
- especially when taking several
different medications - to help ensure that you get the right dose at the right time.
Keep medications in their original containers
- except for those you
put in an organizer. The labels contain important information such as dosage and
expiration dates.
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Do not take medication in the
dark, when you are tired, or when you are distracted. You might take the wrong medication
or too much. Ask for help.
Never take a medication that was prescribed for someone else.
Alcohol can interact with many different kinds of drugs. Talk with your
physician or pharmacist whether it is safe to drink alcohol with any prescription or
over-the-counter medication.
When children or grandchildren are around, keep containers out of reach,
particularly those that do not have childproof caps.
If your physician has told you to discontinue a medication, dispose of
it immediately by flushing it down the toilet. Do not keep it for future needs.
Dispose of a medication once the expiration date has passed.
Never stop taking a medication on your own
- always get your
physician's guidance. Some medications must be stopped gradually to avoid complications.
If the medication is making you feel sick or causing side effects that
you find difficult to tolerate, talk to your physician about adjusting the dose or
changing the medication.
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