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UNDERSTAND YOUR MEDICINES
Understand Your SHOULD I take this medicine while Help Prevent Look-Alike, Drug Just because
Medicines! taking other medications or dietary Medicine Errors Sound-Alike Drugs Interactions a drug is sold
supplements?
without a
Your doctor may prescribe medicine SHOULD I avoid any foods, MAKE A LIST and tell your doctor Some medications look and sound Sometimes different over-
for you while you are in the hospital. drinks or activities while taking about medicines you are taking: like other medications you may be the-counter or prescription prescription DRUG INTERACTIONS
Do you know the WHAT, WHY and this medicine? taking, or have just been prescribed. medicines contain the SAME doesn't mean that
HOW of your new medicine? • Prescriptions active ingredient. So if you take
What Else Can You Do? • Over-the-counter drugs Example: Celebrex, Cerebyx and more than one medicine at the it isn't serious
WHAT is the NAME of this medicine, • Herbal, vitamin or natural remedies Celexa are BRAND NAMES that look same time, it's possible to take medicine!
and does the NAME sound like any • SET AN ALARM • Recreational drugs alike if you just glance at the label. too much of the same active
other meds I may already be taking? on your watch, ingredient.
WHAT are the possible side effects? computer, tablet TELL YOUR DOCTOR if you have Example: Tramadol, Trazodone
WHAT should I do if I miss a dose? or cell phone to take allergies to medicines, anesthesia, and Toradol are GENERIC NAMES Read the label carefully to find
your meds on time. foods or latex: Medical alert tags show that also look alike at a glance. out exactly what you're taking.
WHY has this medicine been your allergies, if you are diabetic or on
prescribed, why am I taking it? • USE THE MEDICINE MINDER blood thinners. Medical alert tags can Look Closely at
on pg. 00 to keep track of all of be found at your local pharmacy.
HOW much do I take? HOW often your meds, strengths & dosages. Medicine Labels! When in doubt, ASK your
do I take it? HOW long do I take it? Right I.D., doctor or pharmacist. It's
simple. READ THE LABEL.
What Else Do I Need To Know? Remember, there are no Right Care! Know WHAT
you are taking,
dumb questions when it (brand name
SHOULD I take this medicine with comes to your medicines. Be sure that and generic
meals, on an empty stomach, with any medicines, name), WHY the
food or water? Don't Be Afraid To Ask procedures or lab medicine has been Source: www.nclnet.org and
Until You Understand! tests ordered match the NAME prescribed and HOW to take it! www.fda.gov/cder
and BIRTH DATE on your I.D. BAND.
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