Manage Your Meds

Manage Your Meds

Whether you take one medicine or five, it’s important to know what you are taking and why. Ask your doctor these questions about any new (and current) medicines you take:
  •  What is the name of my medicine? Generic name?
  •  Why am I taking it? How will it help? When will it start working?
  •  What dose? How often? How long?
  •  What is the best time (morning, night, etc.) or way to take it (with food, with water)?
  •  What are possible side effects? What do I do if they happen?
  •  Are there any foods, drinks or activities to avoid?
  •  What do I do if I miss a dose?

Remember, Take Charge of Your Medicines

Think you’re due for your next dose? Wondering if this new medicine can replace one you already take? Want to make sure all your medicines and supplements are safe to take together? Don’t be afraid to ask.

Prevent Medicine Errors

Be sure your doctors and nurses know:

 

  • all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements you take
  • any allergies you have to medicines, anesthesia, foods, latex, etc.
  • that your name matches  the name on the medicine (hospital staff may scan your ID bracelet to double-check)
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