When you are taking medicines, it is important to follow your
health care provider’s advice carefully. If you do not take medicines exactly as
prescribed, they can harm you. For example, you could unknowingly counteract one
medicine by taking it with another one. Medicines can make you feel sick or
dizzy if not taken properly.
Tips for taking your medicine
Take all medicines as advised by your health care provider.
Take your medicines as scheduled, at the same time every day. Do
not stop taking or change your medicines unless you first talk with your health
care provider. Even if you feel good, continue to take your medicines. Stopping
your medicines suddenly can make your condition worse.
Have a routine for taking your medicines. Get a pillbox that is
marked with the days of the week. Fill the pillbox at the beginning of each week
to make it easier for you to remember.
Keep a medicine calendar and note every time you take a dose.
Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose, but your health
care provider might change your dosage periodically, depending on your response
to the medicine. On your medicine calendar, you can list any changes in your
medicine dosages as prescribed by your health care provider.
Do not decrease your medicine dosage to save money. You must
take the full amount to get the full benefits. Talk with your health care
provider about ways you can reduce the costs of your medicines.
Do not take any over-the-counter drugs or herbal therapies
unless you ask your health care provider first.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go
back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses to make up for the
dose you missed.
Regularly fill your prescriptions and ask your pharmacist any
questions you have about refilling your prescription. Do not wait until you are
completely out of medicine before filling your prescriptions. Let your health
care provider know if you have trouble getting to the pharmacy, have financial
concerns, or have other problems that make it difficult for you to get your
medicines.
When traveling, keep your medicines with you so you can take
them as scheduled. On longer trips, take an extra week's supply of medicines and
copies of your prescriptions, in case you need to get a refill.