About Your Medicines

Many people need to take medicine at one time or another.  Knowing about your medicines helps make sure that they do the best job possible.  Here’s what you need to know about the medicines you take:

1. Know why you take the medicine.

2. Know the name of your medicine, how much you take, and how often you take it.  You need to know this for all of your medicines.  That includes any non-prescription ones.  Keep a list in your purse or wallet, especially if you take more than one medicine.  Every doctor and dentist who treats you needs this information.

3. Know how to take your medicine.  Medicines can be swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through your skin.  Some need to be taken with food.  Others should be taken on an empty stomach.  Your medicines help you most when you follow your doctor’s directions. Always store them in their original containers.  It can be hard to remember when to take your medicine. This is especially true if you take more than one.  Feel free to talk to the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.  Any of them can help you make a schedule to follow.

4. Know if there is something you need to avoid.  Many medicines do not mix well with alcohol.  Some react with certain other drugs.  Sometimes there are foods you should not eat while taking a certain medicine.  Knowing what to stay away from helps protect you from reactions.

5. Know if there are any side effects you should watch for.  Most medicines are very safe to take.  Even so, sometimes they can cause problems.  Many side effects are mild.  Some can be more serious.  Know the common problems that can be caused by your medicines.  This will help you decide when you need to call someone for advice.

6. Store your medicines where children can not reach them.  This includes your non-prescription medicines.  Even supplements like vitamins need to be out of reach.  Your medicines come in safety containers that are hard for children to open.  If you have no children and find it hard to open your containers open, talk to your pharmacist.  He or she can put your medicine in containers that are easy to open.

Most drug stores also offer other services to help you.  They might:

• Deliver your prescriptions.

• Keep a family medicine profile for you.

• Bill your insurance directly. 

• Offer senior citizen discounts.

• Some may have an emergency service outside of regular hours.

Check what services the drug stores near you offer.  This can help you choose the one that best meets your needs.  We are your health care team.  Our goal is to help you be in the best health possible.  Please make sure to let us know:

• If your medicine is helping you

• If you have problems with your medicine

• If you have forgotten to take your medicine.

If you have any questions or problems, please call:

• your local pharmacist

• Miller Dwan Rehab Services nursing unit at 218-786-2848.  We are here to help you.