Medication Guidelines

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Our nurses and pharmacists would like to provide you with the following medication guidelines. As a well-informed patient, you will be able to make your medication work safely and effectively in promoting your best health.

  1. Carry an allergy card or wear a medic alert to identify you and your allergies.
  2. Use the medicine only for yourself. Never take medication prescribed for others.
  3. Take only the dose or amount prescribed for you by your doctor. Consult your doctor if you feel you need to increase or decrease the dose.
  4. Keep medicine in the container in which it comes.
  5. Be extra careful with drugs that look alike or sound alike.
  6. Check all liquids for "shake well" label.
  7. Check the bottle for special instructions (store in refrigerator, do not expose to light, avoid driving or operating machinery, do not take while drinking alcohol).
  8. Take all of the medicine prescribed, even if your symptoms are gone, unless medication is prescribed on an as-needed basis.
  9. Know the names of the medicines you are taking and the reason you are taking them. Write down the names, amounts, and times of the medications you take and keep it in your wallet or purse.
  10. Observe proper storage for medicine. Generally, medicine should be stored in a cool, dry place.
  11. Discard the medicine after the expiration date. Check with your doctor if you need more.
  12. Be sure there is adequate light when taking medicine. You could get the wrong one!
  13. Tell medical personnel what medicines you are taking.
  14. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible side effects of the medicines.
  15. If you forget instructions or have questions, don't hesitate to call your doctor or pharmacist.
  16. Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
  17. Tell your pharmacist if you want childproof or regular caps.
  18. If you are taking over-the-counter medicines (e.g., aspirin, cold tablets) ask your pharmacist if they are compatible with your prescription medicines.
  19. If you would like help planning a medicine schedule, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
  20. Inform all medical personnel of any reactions, allergies, or other problems with medications.
  21. Call ahead for medicine refills. Do not wait until you have taken the last pill since many times the pharmacist must first have the doctor's approval.
  22. Many times the pharmacist will substitute a generic medicine for a brand name medication. Generic brands are less expensive and work just as well as brand name medications.

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