Do you know someone who takes more than one medication?
Sharing these safety tips with a friend or loved one may help prevent medicine mistakes.
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, pharmacist, or nurse.
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.
Source: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ByAudience/ForWomen/ucm118574.htm 
Accessed 9/22/09
