Know your medications (meds)
- Know the names.
- Know when and how to take them.
Ask questions
Ask your doctor or pharmacist:
- Why you need each med.
- Side effects your meds can cause.
- What to do if you miss a dose.
- If you need to stay away from any foods or drinks.
- If you need to follow any special instructions.
Make a list
- Keep a list with: – The names of everything you take — even vitamins, herbs and other meds you buy without a prescription – How and when you take every med.
- Keep a copy of your list with you and show it to your doctors.
- Update your list every time there is a change in what or how much you take.
Be safe
- Take all your meds just like your doctor tells you.
- If you aren’t sure how to take something, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Do not stop taking any meds unless your doctor tells you to.
- Call your doctor if you miss a dose.
- Do not share your meds with anyone.
- Do not take anyone else’s meds.
- Do not take old or expired meds. Check the dates on the bottles or ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
- Do not run out! Get refills when you have one week of your med left.
- Use a pill box to stay organized. Keep the extra pills in their original bottles.
- Use an alarm or other reminder so you don’t forget to take your meds.
- Keep your meds in a cool, dry place unless you get other instructions.
- Keep your meds away from children and pets.
- Do not mix pills in the same bottle.
Get rid of old meds
- Ask your pharmacist or local police department about drug take-back programs.
- Visit takebackday.dea.gov to find a drug take-back day near you.
