Here are some ways you can be a partner in medication safety:

Keep a medicine list.
The list should include the following:
· Name of each medication
· How you take it
· Why you take it
· Who told you to take it
· When the medicine was started
· When the medicine was stopped
You can also include on your list:
· Your name address and phone number
· Your doctor’s name and phone number
· Your pharmacy’s name and phone number
· Your emergency contact person’s name and phone number
Include on this list any prescription medications, vitamins, herbal products, dietary supplements, over-the-counter (nonprescription) medications, sample medications, eye drops, inhalers, injections, creams and ointments and oxygen.

Safe at the Pharmacy
· Read the label carefully and ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.
· Renew your medications before they run out.
· Try to obtain all of your medications from one pharmacy. If this is not possible, let all of your pharmacists know what medications you are taking.
· Why am I taking it?
· How much should I take and how often?
· Are there potential side effects, and what should I do if they happen?
· Where and how should I store it?
· Should I avoid any liquids, foods, other substances or activities while using this medicine?

Safe at the Physician’s Office
· Take your medication list with you.
· Be honest with your healthcare provider about whether or not you have been taking your medications as prescribed.
· Ask your doctor to explain what your medicine is, including its name, how often you should take it, how it is intended to help you and what you can expect to happen.
· When your doctor writes a prescription, make sure that you can read it.

Safe at Home
· Use a pill box or a calendar to remind you when to take your medicines.
· Take all medicines as prescribed, even if you are feeling better.
· Do not store medications in the bathroom or in direct sunlight.
· Do not crush, chew, or break any medication unless instructed to do so.
· Keep medications in their original, labeled packaging.

Safe at the Hospital
· Take your medications and the list of your medications with you when you go to the hospital.
· After your doctor has seen them, send your medications home with your family.
· Do not let anyone give you medications without checking your hospital ID bracelet every time.

Some questions you can ask your doctor or pharmacist
· Why is this medicine being prescribed for me?
· Does this medication have any side effects?
· How should I take this medication?
· Do I need any follow-up tests or appointments?
· Do I need any follow-up visits with my doctor?
· How and when and I to take the medicine? For how long? What do I do if I miss a dose?
· Is the medicine safe to take with other medications including over-the-counter medicines, dietary/herbal supplements, vitamins, minerals, laxatives, etc?