Drug Safety Do’s and Don’ts

• DO store drugs in their original containers
• DO store drugs in different-looking containers, so you will be less likely to mix them up. Ask your pharmacist about the different containers available.
• DO ask your doctor write the reason you are taking a medication on the prescription, so the pharmacist will print it on the container label. This will remind you what each drug is for.
• DO follow instructions on container labels.
• DO keep all the times and doses straight.
• DO tell all your health care providers about all the drugs you take, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, and vitamins.
• DO carry a personal identification card that specifies your medications, the doses, and why you take them.
• DO for important drugs, like insulin or anti-epilepsy medications, wear some type of medical alert jewelry, which can be purchased at your pharmacy or from an organization such as Medic Alert.
• DO if you plan to have any type of surgery, tell the doctor or dentist about all drugs you take.
• DON’T take drugs in the dark or without reading the labels.
• DON’T use out-of-date medicines.
• DON’T reuse old prescriptions.
• DON’T share your medicines with anyone else or take someone else’s prescription, no matter how similar your conditions appear to be.
• DON’T transfer medications to unmarked containers or containers labeled with directions for other drugs.
• DON’T leave medicines next to your bed if you are able to get up to take them.
  

-- This article was reproduced from the Aging Successfully magazine, Vol. XIII, No. 2

<BACK