Getting a Prescription

Understanding the importance your medication plays in your treatment will help you get the most benefit from your prescription.

Your health care provider prescribed your medication, but you must take the medicine correctly to see the benefits.

Track Your Medicines

Reduce medical mistakes and improve the quality, safety, and effectiveness of your health care by tracking your medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Keep a list of all medicines you take. Bring that list—or a bag filled with your medicines—with you when you visit your health care provider.

Track your medicines with the Medicine Record Form.

Take Your Medications Safely

Medicine is prescribed to help you. But it can hurt you if you take too much or mix medicines that don't go together.

• Know what the medicine is for and how to take it
• Ask about side effects and what to avoid
• Read the label and warnings when you get your medicine
• Ask the pharmacist about your medicine if it looks different than you expected

Follow Your Treatment Plan

To stay healthy and safe, follow your treatment plan and take the medicine as prescribed.

• Ask your health care provider if you need a refill
• Tell your health care provider if you're having side effects
• Don't share your medicine with anyone
• Ask if you need tests to find out if the medicine is working