Did you know that taking your medications properly is one
of the best ways to avoid future health care costs? Each
year, thousands of people end up in the hospital, fail to
get better, and spend more money than they have to simply
because they do not take their medication properly.
Pharmacists can educate you about your medications, both
presription and nonprescription. The American Pharmaceutical
Association, the national professional society of pharmacists,
says that every person should be able to answer the following
questions before taking any new medication.
- What is the name of the medication and what is it
supposed to do?
- When and how do I take it?
- How long should I take it?
- Does this medication contain anything that can cause
an allergic reaction?
- Should I avoid alcohol, any other medicines, foods,
and/or activities?
- Should I expect any side effects?
- What if I forget to take my medication?
- Is it safe to become pregnant or to breast-feed while
taking this medication?
- Is there a generic version of the medication that
my doctor has prescribed?
- How should I store my medication?
