Prescription medicines safety

1. Keep a drug diary which includes the date a drug was prescribed or started, medication name (brand and/or generic), how many pills/capsules in the bottle, directions for use, who prescribed or recommended the drug, how much it cost, any side effects you have noticed.
2. Know any allergies that you may have to drugs or vaccines.
3. Be sure you understand all instruction and don't be afraid to ask the doctor or pharmacist:
   1. How and when to take medication. (orally, externally, etc.)
   2. Should the medication be taken with food, milk, water, etc.
   3. How long to continue taking the medication?
   4. What to do if certain side effects start to happen.
   5. Be aware of possible side effects from medications
   6. Ask a pharmacist if medications need to be specially stored.
   7. Be aware of the medications' expiration date.
4. Destroy any medicines no longer being used to prevent confusion. Don't throw medicines in the trash where children might have access; flush them down the toilet.