USE MEDICINES WISELY

About 30% to 50% of those who use medicines do not use them as directed. This causes more doctor visits, hospital stays, lost wages and changed prescriptions. All this costs Americans as much as $76.6 billion each year.

Women often take care of medicines for the whole family, as well as themselves. So we need to read the label, avoid problems, ask questions and keep a record.

1. READ THE LABEL Before you take any medicine, read the label. The label should show:

• List of ingredients--If you know you are allergic to anything in the medicine, don't use it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a different medicine.
• Warnings --Read these carefully.
• The expiration date--Do not use a medicine after the date on the bottle. It may not work as well.

2. AVOID PROBLEMS Medicines can cause problems, or side effects; such as sleepiness, vomiting, bleeding, headaches or rashes. Ask about the side effects of the medicines you are taking. Talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.

• Organize your medicines.
• Do not skip taking your medicines.
• Do not share medicines.
• Do not take medicine in the dark.

3. ASK QUESTIONS

• What is the medicine's name?
• Is there a generic available?
• Why am I taking this medicine?
• Should I take this on an empty stomach or with food?
• Is it safe to drink alcohol with it?
• If I forget to take it, what should I do?
• How much should I take?
• How long am I to take it?
• What problems should I watch for?

If you are pregnant or nursing a baby, seek the advice of a health professional before taking any medication or diet supplement.

Talk with your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. She/he will be happy to help you.

List any allergies:

Doctor:

Phone number:

4. KEEP A RECORD OF MEDICINES YOU USE Check boxes for the ones you use: Aspirin or other pain/headache/fever medicine Allergy medicine Antacids Cold medicine Cough medicine Diet pills/supplements Laxatives Sleeping pills Vitamins Minerals Herbals Other NAME:________________________________________________ LIST YOUR PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES Date Name of My Medicine How Much Do I Take When Do I Take It What Do I Use It for Refills Example 1 tablet 400 mg 3 times a day after meals Arthritis 2 KEEP THIS IN YOUR PURSE AND SHOW IT TO YOUR DOCTORS, PHARMACIST, OR NURSE. Have your doctor, pharmacist or nurse report serious problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Brought to you by: and 1343 East Gun Hill Road ? Bronx, NY 10469 ? (718) 655-5558 Copyright ? 2003 Scheer Drugs, Inc. All rights reserved. Last Updated: March 05, 2003 Questions about this website can be directed to webmaster@scheerdrugs.com

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