Things your doctor should tell you about medications:
• The name of the medication.
• What it does.
• How long to take.
• How to take it. (On empty stomach, before meals or with meals.)
• The side effects or adverse effects.
• The foods, drinks or activities should I avoid if any.
Read the label on the box or bottle before you leave the pharmacy.
If you do not understand it, ask the pharmacist to explain it further.
• It is recommended that you use the same pharmacy for all your medications.
• Make a friend of your pharmacist. They are very knowledgeable.
• It is important to follow the directions on each medication.
• Take the right dose at the right time.
• Have a reminder system. Use a day medication box / boxes, or a medication check list.
• Do not take medications with alcohol.
• Don’t stop taking prescribed medication unless your doctor tells you to.
• Report any adverse or allergic reactions to your doctor right away.
• Don’t share your medications with others, don’t take some one else's meds.
• Keep all medications in a cool dry place unless otherwise indicated. Because of heat and dampness, the bathroom medicine cabinet is not a good place.
• Keep medications out of reach of children.
• Dispose of old or expired medications. It is a good idea to take it to your pharmacy or your hazardous waste site. Some recommend it be dropped in several waste cans on trash day. Do not flush down toilet.
