Medication Safety Tips
Know Your Medications
●Know the name and doses of your medicines.●Know why the medicine is important and what it treats.
●Read your labels to learn what you are taking, how and when to take it, etc.
●Know side effects.
●Know how your medications interact with each other and any nonprescription drugs you may take, including pain killers, cold remedies and alcohol.
●Know what to do if you miss a dose.
●Know if you are allergic to any medicines.
Take Your Medicine!
●Make sure you take your medicine in the correct dose. Use the measuring cup that comes with liquid medicines.●Take capsules or tablets whole, unless otherwise instructed.
●Take your medicines at the right time(s).
●Renew your medications in advance so you don't run out.
Keep Your Medications Safe
●Keep your medications out of direct sunlight and heat.●Keep your medicine away from pets and children.
●Don't store your medications with other family member medicines or household cleaners.
●Keep medicines in their original bottles.
When You are in the Hospital
●Identify yourself to the nurse before you take given medications.●Make sure your health care providers know all the medications you are taking.
●Make sure your care providers know any medication allergies you may have.
●Know which medicines you will need to take once you leave the hospital.
Other Tips
●Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have a problem taking the drug for any reason, including cost.●Ask if there is a generic brand available.
●Make sure you got the right medicine from the pharmacy.
●Keep a list of all medications you take.
●Know your medicine allergies.
●Report unusual side effects.
●Ask if lower doses might be helpful depending on your age *or any kidney or liver problems.