American Academy of Family Physicians Tips for Medicine Safety

• Always read the label carefully.
• Take the medicine exactly as prescribed.
• Make sure all your doctors are informed on all the medications you are currently taking.
• If you are taking more than one medicine ask your doctor to make you a schedule for when to take each medicine.
• Use the same pharmacy for all your prescriptions.
• Let family members know the medicines you are taking and what time you are to take them.
• Don’t take over-the-counter medicines with your prescribe medicine before consulting your doctor. 
• Take your medicine for the time specified, don’t change the dosage or the time when you take it with out consulting your doctor.
• Don’t take someone else’s medicine.
• Always check the expiration date.
• Make sure to ask your pharmacist if there are any special storing requirements for the medicines you are taking.
• If you get unusual symptoms while taking your medicine report the immediately to your doctor.
• Don’t assume to double up on your medication if you have missed a dosage. Check with your doctor first.

Tips when selecting over-the-counter medications.

• Read the labels carefully and note the symptoms the medicine will treat.
• Look for a medicine take will only treat your symptoms.
• Note the possible side effects and what the proper dosage is.
• Note any foods or other medications that shouldn’t be combined when taking the medicine.
• Check if the medicine can worsen health condition, such as high blood pressure and breathing problems.
• If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
  
  

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