Patient education: Medication safety (The Basics)

Why is medication safety important? — It's important to take steps to keep yourself safe, especially if you take many different medicines. It could cause serious harm if you take too much or too little of a medicine, take a medicine at the wrong time, or mix certain medicines. There are things you can do to get the most benefit from your medicines and avoid mistakes that could be dangerous.

This article has general information about medication safety (figure 1). It does not replace the advice you get from your doctor or pharmacist. If you have questions about any medicines you are taking, or if you would like more information, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

How do I get the most benefit from my medicines?

●Read the prescription label on the medicine container (figure 2). Also read the patient information that comes in the package.

●Follow all instructions for each of your medicines. For medicines you take daily, take them at the same time every day.

●Create a routine for taking your medicines. This will help you remember to take them. Make this part of your normal daily activities.

●Use a daily or weekly pill box (picture 1) or blister pack to organize your medicines. These make it easier to know what medicines to take when.

●Create reminders for yourself so you don't forget to take your medicine. You can do this using a calendar, smartphone app, or digital watch.

●Do not skip doses, change doses, or take extra medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

How do I stay safe?

●Be an active member of your health care team. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions you have about your medicines. Write down what they say so you can remember it later.

●Make sure that you know why you take each medicine and how it helps you.

●Know the names of all your medicines. Each medicine has 2 different names: the brand name and the "generic" name. A generic medicine works the same as a brand medicine. But it can look different and generally costs less.

•For example, the diuretic (water pill) "furosemide" is also known by the brand name "Lasix." Furosemide and Lasix are the same medicine.

●Learn what each medicine looks like. For pills, know the size, shape, and color. If your medicine looks different when you get a refill, ask the pharmacist if you have the right medicine.

●Keep a list of all of the medicines you take. You can find an example at: www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-drugs/my-medicine-record. You should:

•Include all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take.

•For each medicine, include the name, dose, what you use it for, how you take it, and when you take it.

•Update this list if your medicines change.

•Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you need help making your list.

●Bring your medicine list every time you see any doctor. They can check to be sure that you are taking your medicines correctly. They can also make sure that you are not taking anything you don't need.

How do I be careful when taking medicines?

●Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you should avoid any foods or drinks. Some foods and drinks change the way certain medicines work.

●Find out if it's OK to drink alcohol while taking your medicines.

●Talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist before taking anything else, including:

•Cough, cold, allergy, or pain medicines – Some products contain more than 1 medicine. If you are not sure what is in each product, you could end up taking more medicine than you should.

•Herbs or supplements – These can change how prescription medicines work.

•Any other medicines or drugs – Some medicines cannot be taken with other medicines.

●Ask if your medicine could affect your driving, thinking, or other activities. It is always a good idea to see how you react to a new medicine before driving or doing other activities that could be dangerous.

●Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you crush, chew, or break any pills or capsules. If you are having trouble taking a medicine, talk to your doctor.

●If you take a liquid medicine, use the measuring device that came with the medicine or one from the pharmacy. Using household spoons or cups could cause an error in your dose.

What should I do if my medicines cause side effects?

●If you notice any side effects that bother you, tell your doctor or nurse. Do not just stop taking your medicine.

●Your doctor or nurse can often suggest ways to manage side effects.

●Call for an ambulance (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) or get emergency care if you start a new medicine and have any serious symptoms such as:

•Wheezing or trouble breathing

•Chest pain or tightness

•Passing out or feeling like you might pass out

•Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

•Seizures

What else should I know?

●Take only medicines prescribed for you. Do not share medicines with other people.

●Keep medicines in a safe place away from children and pets.

●Get rid of any medicine that is no longer needed. Check with your pharmacy to learn where you can drop off unused medicines or how to dispose of them.

●Tell your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you can't afford your medicines. There are often ways to lower costs.

●Other resources:

•www.fda.gov/consumers/womens-health/use-medicines-wisely

•www.bemedwise.org/your-medicines-self-care

Where can I get more information? — For more detailed information about your medicines, ask your doctor or nurse for the patient drug information handout from UpToDate. It explains how to use each medicine, describes its possible side effects, and lists other medicines or foods that can affect how it works.

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