Using Medicines Wisely
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Today we have many medicines
to choose from. Medicine can
help you, but no drug is totally
safe. There are things you can do
to lower your chances of having
problems and make sure your
medicine works the best it can.
Ask questions
- Why am I using this medicine?
- How long should I use it?
- When should I start to feel better?
- What problems should I watch
for?
- What should I do if I have
problems or side effects?
- When should I use this medicine?
- Should I take it on an empty
stomach or with food?
- Is it safe to drink alcohol with it?
- What should I do if I forget to use
it?
Know the medicine
- What is the brand name? Does the
drug have any other names?
- What does the drug look like?
Look at the color, shape, and
package. If it looks different next
time, ask why. It could be the
wrong medicine.
Read the label
- Find out what is in the drug. Do
not use the medicine if you are
allergic to anything in it. Ask your
doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about
changing your medicine.
- Don’t use two drugs with the
same or similar ingredients.
- Don’t use two drugs for the same
problem unless your doctor, nurse,
or pharmacist suggests it.
- Read the warnings carefully.
Follow directions
- Do not skip taking your medicines.
- Don’t take more than the
suggested dose.
- Do not share medicines.
- Do not take medicine in the dark.
It’s too easy to make a mistake.
Keep a list of all the medicines
you use
- List all of your prescription
medicines.
- List any over-the-counter
medicines you use.
- List any vitamins, minerals, herbs,
amino acids, and other products
you use.
- Carry the list with you to show
your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
How do you feel?
- If you are not feeling better,
or start to feel worse, call your
doctor or clinic. You might need
a different medicine or a different
dose.
For a free copy of a brochure with a
place to list your medicines,
call 1-888-878-3256.
To Learn More:
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
www.fda.gov
Phone: 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332)
FDA Office of Women’s Health
www.fda.gov/womens
2007