| - Always provide current medical and medication history to your Doctor and Pharmacist
- Have your Doctor and Pharmacist review all your medications regularly
- Tell your Doctor and Pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications
- Follow medication label directions and read drug information material
- Know and understand the possible side effects of ALL your medications
- Monitor your reaction after medications are taken
- Know medications, foods and herbal remedies which you are allergic
- Be aware of medications warnings: avoid heat, sun or cold etc.
- Avoid certain foods (grapefruit) or alcohol if indicated
- Take dietary supplements when on medications that deplete essential nutrients
- Be aware that adverse events may be more serious in older adults
- Immediately report adverse events to you Doctor and Pharmacist
- Know which non-prescription medications and herbal remedies to avoid with certain medications
- Know what action to take if a medication dose is missed
- Know how to properly discontinue the use of medications: abruptly??
- Question information provided by a non-medical person
- Careflully read non-prescription labels for content, indications and proper use
- If you have more than one Doctor, provide them all with ALL meds you are taking
- Ask Pharmacist questions if medication labeling is unclear and hard to understand
- Ask your Pharmacist if you are getting the drug and dose ordered by your Doctor
- Understand how to accurately measure liquid medications
- Know if you should avoid alcohol, cold medications, antacids or other substances while taking certain medications
- Know what side effects you should expect and what to do if you experience any side effects
- Have at least one other person, friend or family member, know what medications you are taking, when and why
- Take medications exactly as prescribed
- Talk with your Doctor before changing your medication schedule or dosing if the prescribed one does not fit your lifestyle
- Are you receiving the expected effect and response to prescribed medications
- Never take more medication than prescribed
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