Taking Medications Correctly

To get maximum benefit from your medications, it is important to take them exactly as prescribed by your doctor. In fact, your chance of a better health outcome improves when you take your medications as directed.

But four out of 10 older people who take more than one drug still do not take one or more of their prescriptions according to their doctor's instructions. Could you be one of them?

Make sure you understand the following points before you start taking any medication

· Why you need the drug

· How and when to take the drug

· How to store the drug

· What might happen if you don't take the drug as prescribed

Don't hesitate to ask your health care professional to write down any medication instructions.

When it comes to taking your medications, it's essential to follow your health care professional's instructions. Make sure you NEVER:

· Use your medication for any symptom of illness other than the one for which it was prescribed

· Take someone else's medication or give your medication to someone else

· Take more or less of a medication, unless directed by your health care professional

The following steps are designed to make it easier for you to organize your medications and related information.

· List all medications that you take, which include prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements.

· Jot down questions you want to ask your health care professional.

· Write down your medical information. This includes emergency contact, primary physician, and allergies. Keep it in your wallet along with your insurance information.

General Health Clinic has free wallet cards to help you get organized with your medications. We encourage you to talk to your health care professional about taking your medications correctly. The Clinic welcomes most major insurances along with Medicare and Medicaid. Payments by cash, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted. The clinic is located at the junction of highways 148 and JJ in Hopkins, Missouri. Appointments can be made by calling 660-778-3209.

Source: http://www.pfizer.com/health/senior_health/taking_medicines.jsp