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When you don't feel well, medicines can help you get better. But they can hurt you if you don't take them according to instructions from your doctor or pharmacist. Before using any medicine, read the label!
There are two kinds of medicine:
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicine--Medicine you can buy without a doctor's prescription.
Prescription Medicine--Your doctor writes a prescription that tells the pharmacist what you need. You pick up the medicine at a pharmacy.
Your doctor or pharmacist can help you take medicine safely.
Medicine labels may be hard to read. Make sure you ask questions so you know how and when to take the medicine.
Taking more than one medicine without telling the doctor might hurt you.
Protect yourself and your baby. Medicine may hurt your baby. Tell the doctor or pharmacist if:
Before you take any kind of medicine, make sure you know:
You also need to know what you should not have while taking your medicine. Some foods and drinks can make medicine work too fast. Some can make it work too slow or not at all. Smoking cigarettes can change the way your medicines work. And drinking alcohol when you are taking some medicines can be very dangerous.
Some medicines may cause problems if you take them with other medicines. This is why it's important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medicines you are taking. And some medicines can cause problems, even if you take them correctly. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you think your medicine is making you feel worse.
Three Safety Ideas
Do you have questions about your medicine? The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) may have an office near you. Look for their number in the blue pages of the phone book. Or check online at www.fda.gov/cder/
The Food and Drug Administration is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that makes sure that medicines for diabetes and other illnesses work and are safe.
Department of Health and Human Services
Food and Drug Administration
5600 Fishers Lane (HFI-40)
Rockville, MD 20857
FDA03-1116C