| Medicines can be lifesavers. They can | | | | clearly. Ask about how to store the |
| cure or control diseases. But if you use | | | | medicine (for example, does it need to |
| them the wrong way, they can be | | | | be kept in the refrigerator?). Do not |
| dangerous. Working together with your | | | | leave medicines in your car because they |
| doctor can help you avoid problems. | | | | can get too hot or freeze. Ask the |
| Follow the suggestions below for safe | | | | pharmacist if the medicine should be |
| medicine use. | | | | okay to take with your other medicines. |
| At Your Doctor's Office | | | | If you want a different language on the |
| Bring your medicine bottles to your | | | | label, ask the pharmacist. |
| doctor's office. You can also carry a | | | | At Home |
| list of the medicines you are taking. | | | | It is important to take your medicines |
| Make sure to include herbal products and | | | | the way your doctor tells you. If you |
| over-the-counter medicines that you can | | | | don't, you could have side effects or |
| buy in a grocery store or drugstore | | | | your health could get worse. Here are |
| without a prescription. Know your drug | | | | some good tips: |
| allergies. Tell your doctor if you are | | | | - Use a pillbox. |
| pregnant or breastfeeding. | | | | - Use a calendar. |
| You should ask your doctor these | | | | - Plan ahead if you are going to |
| questions: | | | | travel. Have enough medicine for your |
| - What is the name of this medicine? | | | | whole trip. |
| - Why do I need to take this medicine? | | | | - Ask your pharmacist if you can get |
| - When and how do I take it? With or | | | | early refills so you do not run out of |
| without food? With other medicines? | | | | your medicine. |
| - How long do I have to take it? | | | | - Ask friends and family members for |
| - Are there any side effects? | | | | help if you need it. |
| You should also think about the cost of | | | | Other Things That Can Help with Safe |
| the medicine. Let your doctor know if | | | | Medicine Use |
| the cost of the medicine is an issue. | | | | If your medicine causes side effects you |
| Make sure your doctor knows how you will | | | | did not expect, or if you think you have |
| pay for your medicines. Ask for the | | | | an allergic reaction to it, call your |
| generic or less expensive choices. Tell | | | | doctor right away. If it is an |
| your doctor if you want to treat your | | | | emergency, call 9-1-1. Be sure to throw |
| health condition without medicines, and | | | | away old medicines, and do not share |
| ask if other treatments like weight loss | | | | your medicines with other people. Always |
| or exercise are options. | | | | fill and refill all your prescriptions |
| At the Pharmacy | | | | at the same pharmacy. Keep the phone |
| Read the label. Make sure it is the | | | | number for the poison control center |
| right medicine and make sure you | | | | (1-800-222-1222) near your phone. Use |
| understand the instructions on the | | | | www.medlineplus.gov to find information |
| medicine before you leave the pharmacy. | | | | about your medicines. |
| You should be able to read the label | | | | |