- Store your medicines in a sealed/ light-resistant container to maintain maximum potency and be sure to follow any special storage instructions listed on your medicine bottle, such as “refrigerate,” “do not freeze,” “protect from light,” or “keep in a cool place.” Protect all medicines from excessive humidity.
- Make sure you tell the doctor everything that is wrong. The more information your doctor has, the more effectively he or she can treat you.
- Make sure each doctor you see knows about all the medicines you use regularly, including prescription and nonprescription drugs.
- Keep a record of any bad reaction you have had to a medicine.
- Fill each prescription you are given. If you don’t fill a prescription, make sure your doctor knows you aren’t taking the medicine.
- Don’t take extra medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
- Follow the label instructions exactly. If you have any questions, call your doctor or pharmacist.
- Report any unusual symptoms that you develop after taking any medicine.
- Do not save unused medicine for future use unless you have consulted your doctor. Dispose of unused medicine by flushing it down the toilet.
- Never keep medicine where children can see or reach it.
- Always read the label before taking your medicine. Don’t trust your memory.
- Consult your pharmacist for guidance on the use of over-the-counter (nonprescription) drugs.
- Don’t share your medicine with anyone. Your prescription was written for you arid only you.
- Be sure the label stays on the container until the medicine is used or destroyed.
- Keep the label facing up when pouring liquid medicine from the bottle.
- Don’t use a prescription medicine unless it has been specifically prescribed for you. Whenever you travel, carry your prescription in its original container.
- If you move to another city, ask your pharmacist to forward your prescription records to your new pharmacy. Carry important medical facts about yourself in your wallet. Such things as drug allergies, chronic diseases (diabetes, etc), and special requirements can be very useful.
- Don’t hesitate to discuss the cost of medical care with your doctor or pharmacist.
Exercise your right to make decisions about purchasing medicines:
- If you suffer from a chronic condition, you can probably save money by buying in larger quantities.
- Choose your pharmacist as carefully as you choose your doctor.
- Remember, the cost of your prescription includes the professional services offered by your pharmacy. If you want more service, you may have to pay for it.