My Medicines

Women's Health: Take Time To Care
for yourself...for those who need you

Office of Women's Health
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USE MEDICINES WISELY

About 30% to 50% of those who use medicines do not use them as directed. This causes more doctor visits, hospital stays, lost wages and changed prescriptions. All this costs Americans as much as $76.6 billion each year.

Women often take care of medicines for the whole family, as well as themselves. So we need to read the label, avoid problems, ask questions and keep a record.

1. READ THE LABEL

Before you take any medicine, read the label. The label should show:

List of ingredients - If you know you are allergic to anything in the medicine, don't use is. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a different medicine.

Warnings - Read these carefully.

The expiration date - Do not use a medicine after the date on the bottle. It may not work as well.

For more information on your medicines, ask your pharmacist.

2. AVOID PROBLEMS

Medicines can cause problems, or side effects; such as sleepiness, vomiting, bleeding, headaches or rashes. Ask about the side effects of the medicines you are taking. Talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.

• Organize your medicines.
• Do not skip taking your medicines.
• Do not share medicines.
• Do not take medicine in the dark.

3. ASK QUESTIONS

• What is the medicine's name?
• Is there a generic available?
• Why am I taking this medicine?
• When should I take it?
• Should I take this on an empty stomach or with food?
• Is it safe to drink alcohol with it?
• If I forget to take it, what should I do?
• How much should I take?
• How long am I to take it?
• What problems should I watch for?

If you are pregnant or nursing a baby, seek the advice of a health professional before taking any medication or diet supplement. Talk with your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. She/he will be happy to help you.

List any allergies:
Doctor:
Phone number:

4. KEEP A RECORD OF MEDICINES YOU USE

Check boxes for the ones you use:

[ ] Aspirin or other pain/headache/fever medicine
[ ] Allergy medicine
[ ] Antacids
[ ] Cold medicine
[ ] Cough medicine
[ ] Diet pills/supplements
[ ] Laxatives
[ ] Sleeping pills
[ ] Vitamins
[ ] Minerals
[ ] Herbals
[ ] Other

NAME:________________________________________________

LIST YOUR PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES

KEEP THIS IN YOUR PURSE AND SHOW IT TO YOUR DOCTORS, PHARMACIST, OR NURSE.

Have your doctor, pharmacist or nurse report serious problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

This document was developed by FDA's Office of Women's Health (OWH) and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS). The OWH and NACDS thank all of the participating organizations that have assisted in its reproduction and distribution.

Women's Health: Take Time To Care
For yourself ... for those who need you

Take Time to Care
Office of Women's Health
Food and Drug Administration