Medication Safety

Learn how to take medication safely and effectively

Medication helps you feel better when you're sick and can help manage many medical conditions, but it's important to use it safely. If used incorrectly, medication can be harmful.

Learn About the Label

Your doctor will tell you how to take your medication, including how much to take, how often to take it, and for how long. The prescription label on your medication is a resource to help you remember those details.

All prescription medication labels include:

Your doctor’s name
The pharmacy’s name, address, and phone number
The date the prescription was filled
The prescription number
Your name
How to take the medication
The medication’s name, dose, and quantity
The number of refills allowed and date you must use them by
When the medication should no longer be taken

When you pick up your medication, make sure the instructions on the label make sense to you and match what your doctor told you. If you have questions, ask the pharmacist.

Taking Your Medication

Take your medication exactly as instructed by your doctor and the prescription label. This includes:

How much to take
The time of day to take it
Whether to take it with or without food
How long to take it

Warning Signs: When to Get Emergency Care

Medication reactions or severe side effects can be dangerous.

Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if you have:

Trouble breathing
Changes in consciousness
Swelling of your lips or tongue
Difficulty speaking
A rash that spreads quickly

Staying Safe

Medication can be harmful if taken by someone to whom it isn’t prescribed, it is stored incorrectly, or you take too much or too little. Your prescription is specifically for you. Others taking the same medication may use a different dose, schedule, or even version of the medication. That’s why you should never share medication with anyone else.

Some safety tips:

Use childproof locking caps on medication bottles.
Store medications out of the reach of children and keep pill organizers in a safe location.
Turn on a light when taking your medication, so you don’t take the wrong one.
Pay attention to storage requirements. Some medications need to be refrigerated.
Measure the dose with the right tool, such as a medicine syringe if giving medication to children.
Never give medication intended for you to someone else.

Side Effects

Some medications cause side effects — unexpected or unwanted symptoms. These can range from bothersome to dangerous. Some common side effects include:

Fatigue
Upset stomach
Diarrhea or constipation
Headaches

Learn about potential side effects to watch for with your medication. Let your doctor know if you experience side effects or any new or unusual symptoms. Your doctor may be able to treat you with a different medication.

Your Medication List

Medications can interact with many substances, including other medications, vitamins, and foods you eat. Make sure your doctor and pharmacist know about all the medications you take, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements.