1) Have a correct list of your medications (if you have several prescribing doctors then you will need to verify the medication instructions with each).
2) Use the same pharmacy for all of your medications. The pharmacist can then watch for possible drug interactions.
3) Report any allergic reaction or side effects to your doctor or pharmacist. (A person taking 5 medications has 50% chance of experiencing a drug interaction)
4) Drink a full glass of water when taking medications to make sure they don't lodge in the throat and cause damage. The fluid will also help with absorption.
5) Take medications at the proper time. Follow the directions from your pharmacist, write them down, if necessary.
6) Use a pill box (mediset) to organize your medications and follow a routine.
7) Throw away all medications that have expired, because they can become toxic.
8) Check with your doctor before you stop taking any medication-even if you are feeling better.
