When you’re sick, medicines can help you feel better and get well. But if you don’t follow the directions, medicines can harm you.
Any medicine can have side effects. But you can lower your chances of side effects from medicines by carefully following the directions on the medicine label or from your pharmacist, doctor, or nurse.
Side effects may be mild, like an upset stomach. Other side effects — like damage to your liver — can be more serious. Some side effects can even be deadly.
Take these steps to avoid problems with medicines:
Follow the directions on the medicine label carefully
If you don’t understand the directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you
Keep a list of all the medicines, vitamins, minerals, and herbs you use — and share this information with your doctor at your next checkup
Store your medicines in a cool, dry place where children and pets can’t see or reach them
Types of Medicines
The 2 types of medicine are prescription and over-the-counter (OTC).
Prescription medicines
Prescription medicines are medicines you can get only with a prescription (order) from your doctor. You get these medicines from a pharmacy.
These medicines are only safe to use if your name is on the prescription. Using someone else’s prescription medicine can be very harmful.
Sometimes you can choose between a generic medicine and a brand name medicine. Generic and brand name medicines work the same way, but generic medicine usually costs less.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are medicines you can buy at a store without a prescription.
Some examples of OTC medicines include:
Cold and flu medicines
Pain medicines like aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen
Allergy medicines
Sleep aids
Toothpaste with fluoride
Read your medicine's Drug Facts label.
All OTC medicines come with a Drug Facts label. The information on this label can help you choose the right OTC medicine for your symptoms.
The Drug Facts label also gives you instructions for using the medicine safely. OTC medicines can cause side effects or harm if you use too much or don’t use them correctly.
Take these steps to prevent problems and mistakes with your medicines.
Talk to your doctor before starting a new medicine.
Before you use any new prescription medicines, tell your doctor:
About other medicines you use — both prescription and OTC medicines
About any vitamins, minerals, or herbs you use
If you're allergic to any medicines
If you’ve had side effects after using any medicines
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding — this is because some medicines may harm your baby
If you have any questions or concerns about the new medicine
Be sure to keep taking your prescription medicines until your doctor tells you it’s okay to stop — even if you’re feeling better. If you're worried the medicine is making you feel worse, tell your doctor. Keep in mind that sometimes you can get side effects when you stop your medicine.
Talk with your doctor about drug misuse.
If you think you may have a problem with either legal medicines or illegal drugs (like heroin or cocaine), tell your doctor. Your doctor needs to know what drugs you’re using before you start a new medicine — and treatment can help you stop misusing drugs. Learn more about getting help for drug misuse.
If you notice unpleasant side effects after taking medicine, like feeling dizzy or having an upset stomach, call your doctor or nurse.
Ask questions to make sure you understand.
To use a medicine safely, you need to know:
The name of the medicine
Why you're using the medicine
How to use the medicine the right way
If there are any medicines you need to avoid while you’re taking this one
What the side effects could be
What to do if you start having side effects
How to store medicine safely — and how to safely get rid of leftover or unused medicine
Ask your doctor or nurse questions to be sure you understand how to use your medicine. Take notes to help you remember the answers. You can even ask to record the instructions on your phone. Check out these questions to ask your doctor or nurse.
Take the list with you whenever you go to a medical appointment. You may also want to make a copy to give to a family member or friend in case you have a medical emergency.
Read and save any information that comes with your medicine.
Keep your medicine in the box or bottle it came in so you have all the information from the label.
Pay attention to the color and shape of your pills. If they look different when you get a refill, ask your pharmacist to double-check that you have the right medicine.
Keep Them Safe
Put your medicines in a safe place.
Your medicines will last longer and work better if you store them correctly. Follow these tips:
Check for storage instructions on the medicine label — for example, some medicines need to be stored in the refrigerator.
Store medicines that don't have special storage instructions in a cool, dry place. Medicines can go bad in places that are damp and warm, like the kitchen or bathroom.
This information on using medicines safely was adapted from materials from the Food and Drug Administration and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
Reviewed by: Jigna Patel Pharmacist Food and Drug Administration Division of Drug Information (DDI)
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