Print
Skip Navigation Links OPA Home How to Use Your Health Plan Getting Better Care Medicine Safety

Medicine Safety

Two hands holding a pillbox with seven lids, with one lid open to reveal white pills

Use a pill organizer to make sure you take your pills on schedule.

These six steps can help you use medicines safely.

Topics on this page

1. Make a list of all the medicines you take
  • Use the worksheet to list your medicines.
  • Keep a list in your wallet.
  • Give copies to your doctor and pharmacy.
2. Talk to your doctor when you get a new medicine
  • Ask about side effects, risks, and benefits.
  • Ask about other treatments or what could happen if you go without treatment.
  • Make sure you understand what the medicine is for and how to take it.
  • Tell your doctor any allergies or bad reactions you have had to drugs.
  • More information on prescription drugs.
3. Talk to your pharmacy when you get a new medicine
The pharmacy is a great resource. The advice is free, and you do not need an appointment.
  • Review the directions for taking the drug.
  • Check that it is safe to use with other drugs you take. You can also check drug interactions online  .
  • Check that it does not have the same purpose as another drug you take.
  • Review the side effects or allergic reactions to watch for.
4. Tell your doctor if you have a problem with a medicine
  • Tell your doctor if a drug does not seem to be helping.
  • Tell your doctor if you have a problem with side effects.
  • Ask if there is anything you can do to reduce the side effects.
  • If the problem continues, ask to try a different medicine.
5. Always check your prescriptions
  • When you pick up a prescription, make sure it is the correct medicine and the correct dose.
  • Throw out medicines after their expiration date.
6. Take your medicines exactly as directed
  • Take the dose listed on the bottle. Do not skip doses or split pills unless your doctor tells you to do so.
  • Take the medicine for as long as the prescription says. Do not stop taking it because you feel better.

Back to the Top

 


Links with this symbol External link symbol link to external sites. OPA cannot endorse the quality or accuracy of information contained on other sites.