Medicines: Using Them Safely

It's important to make sure that you use medicines safely and know how to store them. If you are taking a lot of different medicines, it can be hard to keep track of when to take each one and how much to take. Some medicines can change the way other medicines work. Using some medicines together might cause harmful side effects. A medicine prescribed for one medical problem may make another condition worse.

To take medicines safely, follow these guidelines:

Do:

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you take. This includes shots, medicines that you take by mouth, and medicines that you put in your eyes or on your skin. This is very important when your provider prescribes a new medicine to ensure that you do not take too many medicines. Also, some medicines change the way other medicines work.
• Make sure all of your providers know about any other medical treatments you are receiving.
• Tell all of your providers about any drug or food allergies you have. Make sure they know about any other medical treatments you are receiving.
• Keep medicines in their original containers unless you use a "dose-reminder" box. These boxes can help you see at a glance if you have taken your medicine for the day. Make sure that you take the right amount of medicine at the right time.
• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Keep medicines for emergencies in a place where you can find them easily.
• Keep medicines that are to be used on the skin separate from medicines taken by mouth. Some medicines used on the skin may be poisonous if you swallow them.
• When you get a new prescription from your healthcare provider, be sure you ask:
  • What is the name of this medicine and what does it do?
  • How do I take it?
  • What should I do if I forget a dose?
  • How long will I be taking this medicine?
• Ask if you should avoid any foods, drinks, or activities, such as driving, while taking your medicine.
• Try to fill all your prescriptions at the same pharmacy so that the pharmacist can check for drug interactions.
• Always double-check the directions for how to take a medicine before you start taking it. Check for warnings on the labels of nonprescription medicines. Some nonprescription drugs should not be taken when you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart problems, or high blood pressure. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about side effects of medicines and what to do if they occur. Tell your provider if you have symptoms soon after you start taking a new medicine. You can have a bad reaction to a medicine the first time you take it or after taking it for weeks, months, or years. You can be allergic to some medicines. In severe cases, reactions to medicines can be fatal. Talk with your provider if any symptom, such as vomiting, breathing problems, headache, confusion, or drowsiness, is severe or long-lasting.
• Tell your provider if you drink alcohol. The use of alcohol may worsen side effects of your medicines.
• When you refill a prescription, check with your pharmacist if the medicine looks different in color, size, or shape from your previous prescription.

Don't:

• Do not put different medicines in one container. The directions for each medicine may be different and you may get the medicines confused.
• Do not store medicines in a bathroom. The heat and humidity in the bathroom may damage the medicine. Keep medicines in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Check the label to see if you need to store the medicine in the refrigerator.
• Do not take medicines from unlabeled containers.
• Do not keep medicines on a bedside table (except emergency medicines such as nitroglycerin). You may take the wrong medicine or wrong dose when you are not fully awake or alert. Do not take medicines in the dark.
• Do not use medicines that are past the expiration date on the label. Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicines.
• Do not change the dosage or stop taking any prescription medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. The medicine may not work at a lower dosage. A higher dosage may cause more side effects. Take medicines exactly as prescribed.
• Do not share prescription medicines with others, even when they seem to have the same symptoms. What may be good for you may be harmful to others.

You should not change the dosage or stop taking any prescription medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. However, if you have concerns, ask your provider if you could:

• Try diet or exercise instead of starting a new medicine.
• Take a lower dosage.
• Safely stop taking a medicine.

When used properly, medicines can be useful or even life-saving. Using them the wrong way, however, may be dangerous. Make sure you follow directions and take your medicines safely.