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Your Prescription For Health
Medications may differ in appearance from the descriptions listed here. This may be due to manufacturers differences.
Always consult your pharmacist or physician if you have any questions.
The following tips can help you maintain a successful routine of medicine taking. Taking your medications properly
provides the greatest possible benefit for your body.
- Know why you are taking a particular medication. Ask your doctor or nurse the reason each medication was
prescribed for you and what it is supposed to do.
- Identify each of your medications by learning what it looks like and what its name is. Learn which pill is which.
- Read the directions carefully and take only as prescribed.
- Know how often to take each medication and if there are specific times each day you should take it.
- Work out a regular daily schedule for taking your medications at home. Scheduling medication times along
with certain regular activities. (e.g. mealtimes, brushing your teeth, or bedtime) will help you remember them.
- Know the correct dosage. Never take more medication than prescribed. Also, never take less than the prescribed amount without first checking with your doctor.
- Never stop a medication without first consulting your doctor.
- You should be familiar with the possible side effects from your medicine. Side effects vary from medicine
to medicine, but may include headache, lightheadedness, flushing, upset stomach, rash or other reactions.
Check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about possible side effects.
- Call your doctor if you experience any inappropriate side effects or if a medicine makes you ill. Do not decrease
or stop your medication without first discussing the situation with your doctor.
- Know if there are any special precautions associated with your medicines. For example, nitroglycerin tablets must be stored in their dark brown bottle and without cotton.
- Try to store all medications in their original containers with the labels attached.
- Never take someone else's medication, and never let anyone take yours.
- Always let doctors, dentists and therapists know what medications you are taking before you receive treatment from them.
- Ask your doctor before you take any over-the-counter drugs (e.g. aspirin, cold remedies and vitamins).
- If you travel by public transportation (e.g. plane, train, bus) take your medicine with you rather than keeping it packed in your luggage, just in case your baggage should get misplaced.
- Remember always to notify your doctor of any side effects or difficulty that may be caused by your medication
GO to Medications List
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