Taking an Active Role in Your Medicines

Take the time to learn about your medicine. For instance, why are you taking it? What does it do? Work with your doctors to get the answers you need.

Find out the following information:

• What is the name of the medicine?
• Is there another way to treat my condition?
• If I take several medicines, do I really need another medicine?
• Why do I need to take it? When should I take it?
• How should I take it: with water? with food? on an empty stomach? Is it safe to drink alcohol with this medicine?
• How much do I take?
• What do I do if I miss a dose?
• What side effects could it cause, and which ones should I contact my doctor about?
• Are there any foods, liquids, or medicines I should not have while taking this medicine?
• Will this medicine change how my other medicines work?
• How long should I take each medicine? Am I taking medicines I no longer need?
• If I no longer need this medicine, how do I dispose of it safely? See the FDA website for information.

These are important actions to take:

• Fill all your prescriptions at the same pharmacy. This keeps your medicine history in one place.
• Talk to the pharmacist. Make sure you understand how to take each medicine. Ask for a fact sheet about each one. If you use a mail-order pharmacy, read any written material that comes with the medicines, even if you have taken it before. There may be new information that you need to know.
• When you're given the medicine and you don't understand the directions, ask your pharmacist for help. For example does 4 times a day mean every 6 hours around the clock, or just when you're awake?
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take. This includes vitamins, nutrition or health supplements, alcohol or other drugs, and herbal remedies.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have any health conditions or allergies to any medicine or food, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Keep a list of all your medicines. Keep a copy in your wallet or purse or in a secure app on your electronic device. Let family members know where to find a list of your current medicines. Use the sample form, below, as a guide for the type of information needed.
• Bring all of your medicines and supplements to your doctor visit. This will help your doctor confirm all the medicines you take.
• Know when your medicine needs to be refilled so that you don't run out. Using a medicine planner is a good way to see how many pills you have left. Writing a reminder on your calendar or setting an alert on your smart device, such as your smartphone, is another way to make sure you don't run out. Some pharmacies offer automatic reminders as part of their service.

• Name of medicine ______________________________________________
• Reason for taking it _____________________________________________
• Dose ___________________________________________________________
• What time to take it _____________________________________________
• When to refill ___________________________________________________

Fill out a form like this for each one of your medicines.