Medicine Safety
Use a pill organizer to make sure you take your pills on schedule.
These six steps can help you use medicines safely.
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1. Make a list of all the medicines you take
- Use the worksheet to list your medicines.
- Keep a list in your wallet.
- Give copies to your doctor and pharmacy.
2. Talk to your doctor when you get a new medicine
- Ask about side effects, risks, and benefits.
- Ask about other treatments or what could happen if you go without treatment.
- Make sure you understand what the medicine is for and how to take it.
- Tell your doctor any allergies or bad reactions you have had to drugs.
- More information on prescription drugs.
3. Talk to your pharmacy when you get a new medicine
The pharmacy is a great resource. The advice is free, and you do not need an appointment.
- Review the directions for taking the drug.
- Check that it is safe to use with other drugs you take. You can also check drug interactions online .
- Check that it does not have the same purpose as another drug you take.
- Review the side effects or allergic reactions to watch for.
4. Tell your doctor if you have a problem with a medicine
- Tell your doctor if a drug does not seem to be helping.
- Tell your doctor if you have a problem with side effects.
- Ask if there is anything you can do to reduce the side effects.
- If the problem continues, ask to try a different medicine.
5. Always check your prescriptions
- When you pick up a prescription, make sure it is the correct medicine and the correct dose.
- Throw out medicines after their expiration date.
6. Take your medicines exactly as directed
- Take the dose listed on the bottle. Do not skip doses or split pills unless your doctor tells you to do so.
- Take the medicine for as long as the prescription says. Do not stop taking it because you feel better.
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