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AFSCME Guide to Using Medicines Safely and Personal Medicine Log

Use medicines safely

You and your family should learn about the medicines that you take and their possible side effects. Remember, medicines that are strong enough to help you can also be strong enough to hurt you if they aren't used correctly. Keep in mind that medicines mean both those prescribed by your doctor and those you buy over the counter (OTC). OTCs can include vitamins and minerals, herbal and dietary supplements, laxatives, cold medicines, headache remedies and antacids.

Taking some OTCs together with prescription medicines can cause serious problems. Be sure your doctor knows what medicines you are taking and assures you that it is safe for you to take your medicines together. If you have access to the Internet, log on to MedlinePlus Website  for more detailed information on herbal products.

Here are some hints to help avoid risks and get the best results from your medicines:

At home

DO keep a checklist of all the medicines you take (included in this guide is a handy log for recording your medicines). Note the name of each medicine, the doctor who prescribed it, the amount you take, the times of day you take it, and what it is used for. Keep a copy in your medicine cabinet and one in your wallet or pocketbook.

DO read and save any written information that comes with the medicine.

DO take medicine in the exact amount and precise schedule your doctor prescribes.

DO check the expiration dates on your medicine bottles and throw away medicine that has expired.

DO call your doctor right away if you have any problems with your medicines or if you are worried that the medicine might be doing more harm than good.

DO NOT take medicines prescribed for another person or give yours to someone else.

DO NOT stop taking a prescription drug unless your doctor says it it's okay — even if you are feeling better.

DO NOT take more or less than the prescribed amount of any medicine, unless your doctor says its okay.

DO NOT mix alcohol and medicine unless your doctor says it's okay. Some medicines may not work well or may make you sick if taken with alcohol.

At your doctor's office

DO review your medicine record with your doctor or nurse at every visit and whenever your doctor prescribes new medicine. Your doctor may have new information about your medicines that might be important to you.

DO always tell your doctor or nurse about past problems you have had with medicines, such as rashes, indigestion, dizziness or not feeling hungry.

DO always ask your doctor or nurse about the right way to take any medicine before you start to use it.

DO ask these questions (and write down the answers) before leaving your doctor's office:

  • What is the name of the medicine and why am I taking it?

  • Should I take the brand name or is its generic equivalent okay? If so, what is the name of the generic?

  • How often should I take it?

  • How will I know if this medicine is working?

  • When should I take it? As needed? Before, with or between meals? At bedtime?

  • If I forget to take it, what should 1 do?

  • What side effects might I expect? How long will I have to take it?

  • Can this medicine interact with other medicines (prescription and OTCs, including herbal and dietary supplements) that I am taking now?

  • If I don't take medicine, is there anything else that would work as well?

At the pharmacy

DO check the label on your medicine before taking it to make sure that it is the correct medicine, for the correct person (you) and with the correct directions prescribed for you by your doctor. If you have any doubt that you were given the correct medicine, call your doctor before taking it.

DO try to use the same pharmacy so that all of your medicines are dispensed from the same place.

DO ask the pharmacist any questions you have about the medicine, or how to take it.

Personal Medicine Log (PDF format)

SOURCES: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Food and Drug Administration, Office of Women's Health and National Institute on Aging.

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