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Medication Tips
- Take your medications exactly as instructed by your provider.
- Do NOT skip doses. If you miss a dose of your medication, call your provider. Do not take an extra dose to make-up for the missed dose.
- Even if you feel well, do NOT stop taking your medications unless ordered by your provider. Make an appointment to see your provider to discuss prescription continuation.
- Keep all medications in the original container, or if you use a pill case, hold onto the original prescription labels.
- Before you leave your provider’s office, make sure you understand what each medication is for, what it looks like, and what side effects you can expect.
- Ask your provider or pharmacist if there are any special instructions when taking this prescription, for example to take with food or on an empty stomach. Most pharmacies will include a leaflet or print the instructions on the bottle.
- Bring all medications with you when you come to your appointment with your provider. Keep a list of all your medications with dosage schedules and times of administration in your wallet or purse.
- Do not run out of your medications. Order medication refills well in advance.
- Take your medications at the same time every day. Try to get into a routine that makes it easy to remember when to take your prescription. It may be helpful to use a special medicine dispenser to keep track.
- Never take a medication that has been prescribed for someone else and never share your medication with anyone else.
- If you have any side effects, call your provider. Make a note of what happened, when it occurred, and how severe it was.
- Do NOT take over-the-counter medications unless you check with your provider first.
- Do not take herbal or “natural” medications unless you’ve checked with your provider.
- Be sure that your provider, pharmacist and dentist know what other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal products.
- Be sure that your provider knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, if you have any health problems or if you are allergic to anything.
- Don’t hesitate to contact your provider if you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, severe weakness or severe sweating. If you cannot contact your health care provider, call an ambulance.
- Always check your medication labels for expiration dates. Most prescriptions lose their potency after a period of time. Safely discard any unused drugs after their expiration date.
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