Dos and Don'ts for Prescription Medications

Dos and Don'ts for Prescription Medications

Medications can have serious side effects when they are not taken properly or when they are combined with other over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs, supplements, or natural remedies. Here are some simple "dos & donts" to help minimize negative consequences.

Prescription Medication Dos

  • DO follow the exact dose and schedule prescribed by your doctor.
  • DO ask your doctor about any possible side effects to watch for, and report any that you experience.
  • DO ask your doctor about any and all over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs, supplements, or natural remedies that you are taking or want to take.
  • DO talk with your doctor about over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs, supplements, or natural remedies if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Some medications or supplements may not be safe during these times.
  • DO ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take your medicine properly (ie, with or without food?, with or without milk?, with extra water?).
  • DO tell your doctor about past problems you've had with drugs, such as rashes, indigestion, dizziness, or appetite loss.
  • DO keep a daily record of the drugs you are taking.
  • DO review your drug record with each of your doctors at each visit, and when any doctor prescribes a new medicine.
  • DO ask your pharmacist for large print if you cannot read the label.
  • DO check the expiration date and throw out any expired medications.
  • DO call your doctor right away if you have any problems with your medicine.
  • DO plan ahead for refills so that you don't run out.

Prescription Medication Don'ts

  • DO NOT stop taking a prescription drug unless your doctor says it is okay.
  • DO NOT take more or less than the amount prescribed.
  • DO NOT mix alcohol and medicine unless your doctor specifically says it's okay.
  • DO NOT take medications prescribed for someone else.
  • DO NOT let anyone else take medications prescribed for you.
  • DO NOT crush tablets unless you check with your doctor or pharmacist. Some medications (eg, long-acting formulations) have special coating and cannot be crushed.

RESOURCES:

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices
http://www.ismp.org/
US Food and Drug Administration
http://www.fda.gov/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References:

The National Women's Health Information Center website. Available at: http://www.womenshealth.gov/ .

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.

Home |Terms and Conditions |Concerned About Privacy? |Accessibility |Careers |For Employers and Medical Plan Providers

You may also be looking for: CVS/pharmacy | MinuteClinic | Specialty Pharmacy | SilverScript | Accordant