Medications are an important part of treating illness, controlling chronic conditions and improving quality of life. But prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins and supplements must all be used correctly to be safe and effective.
Medication mistakes can happen more easily than many people realize. Taking the wrong dose, combining medicines that interact, using an expired prescription or forgetting to tell your provider about a supplement can lead to unwanted side effects or serious health problems.
The good news is that many medication-related problems can be prevented by following a few simple safety practices.
Keep an Updated Medication List
Maintain a complete list of everything you take, including:
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Vitamins and minerals
- Herbal products and dietary supplements
- Injections, inhalers, creams and eye drops
- Medications taken only as needed
Include the name, dose and how often you take each product. Bring this list to every medical appointment and update it whenever something changes.
Do not assume a vitamin, supplement or “natural” remedy is harmless. These products may interact with prescription medications, affect blood pressure or blood sugar, increase bleeding risk or interfere with medical procedures.
Take Medication Exactly as Directed
Follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider and pharmacist. Do not take more medicine, take it more frequently or stop it early unless your provider tells you to do so.
Some medications can cause serious problems if stopped suddenly. Others need to be gradually reduced under medical supervision.
If you miss a dose, read the instructions provided with the medication or contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Do not automatically take two doses at once to make up for the one you missed.
Understand Your Medication
Before beginning a new medicine, ask:
- What is this medication treating?
- How and when should I take it?
- Should I take it with food or on an empty stomach?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- Are there foods, drinks or activities I should avoid?
- Could it interact with my other medicines or supplements?
- What side effects should I watch for?
- How long should I expect to take it?
- Will I need follow-up testing?
Never hesitate to ask questions. Understanding why you take a medicine and how to use it safely makes it easier to follow your treatment plan.
Be Careful With Over-the-Counter Medicines
A medicine being available without a prescription does not mean it is safe for everyone.
Cold remedies, sleep aids, pain relievers and stomach medications may interact with prescriptions or worsen certain conditions. Some combination products contain the same active ingredient, making it possible to accidentally take too much.
For example, acetaminophen is found in many pain, cold and flu products. Taking several products containing acetaminophen may lead to an unsafe total dose.
Read every label carefully and ask your provider or pharmacist before taking a new over-the-counter product—especially if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes or take blood thinners.
Use One Pharmacy When Possible
Having your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy can make it easier for the pharmacist to identify possible interactions, duplicate therapies or allergy concerns.
However, your pharmacy may not know about medicines prescribed elsewhere, samples given at another office or supplements purchased without a prescription. Make sure your pharmacist has your complete medication list.
Never Share Prescription Medicine
A medication that is safe for one person may be dangerous for someone else. Never take medicine prescribed for a friend or relative, and never give your prescription to another person.
Even when symptoms appear similar, the underlying condition, correct treatment and safe dosage may be very different.
Store Medicines Safely
Most medications should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. A bathroom cabinet may not be ideal because humidity can affect some medicines.
Certain products require refrigeration or other special handling, so always follow the instructions on the label.
Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers whenever possible. Store them securely out of the sight and reach of children, visitors and pets. Do not leave medications in a hot or freezing vehicle.
Dispose of Unused Medication Properly
Do not keep medications “just in case” unless your healthcare provider has instructed you to do so.
Medication take-back programs and authorized collection locations are generally the best way to dispose of unused or expired medicines. Some communities also offer designated take-back days.
Do not flush medication unless its instructions or current FDA guidance specifically recommend flushing. Your pharmacist can help you determine the safest disposal method.
Know When to Seek Help
Contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you experience a new or concerning symptom after beginning a medication.
Seek emergency help for signs of a serious reaction, including:
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
- Fainting or severe weakness
- A widespread or rapidly worsening rash
- Severe confusion
- Chest pain
- Symptoms of a possible overdose
If you believe someone may have taken too much medication, call 911 for severe symptoms or contact Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.
Make Medication Safety a Team Effort
Safe medication use depends on good communication between you, your healthcare providers and your pharmacist. Keep an accurate medication list, follow directions carefully and speak up whenever you have a question or concern.
Schedule an appointment with our office if you would like to review your medications or discuss whether your current treatment plan is still right for you.
This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical advice. Never begin, stop or change a medication without consulting a qualified healthcare professional.
