What should I know before using a prescription drug?

All prescription drugs and medicines carry some risk. It is important that you are aware of the risks of each medication and weigh them against the benefits before you decide to take it.

There are several steps you can take to help you decide what level of risk is acceptable for you:

• Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional about all of the medications you take. Understand why you are taking the medication, how it should work and what the side effects may be.
• Use the same pharmacy for all of your prescriptions. This allows the pharmacist to identify harmful interactions with other medications you are taking.
• Keep an updated list of the medications you are taking and share this with your doctor or pharmacist. Pay attention to how you feel after taking the medications and share this information with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Use the medications only as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Know when to take it, how often and for how long.
• Keep medications safe by keeping them in a cool, dry place in their original bottles, out of sight and reach of children.