Learning About Staying Safe With Multiple Medicines
It's important to know all about the medicines you take. This can help you avoid problems. If you take more
than one medicine that works the same way, you could get too high a dose. Or two or more medicines may not
work well together. Your doctor can answer any questions you may have.
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Make a list of all the medicines you take. Include supplements, vitamins, and over-the-counter
medicines like cold or allergy medicines and aspirin. Show the list to all your doctors at all your
appointments.
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Keep your medicines organized. A pillbox may help. Follow directions for how much medicine to take
and when to take it. Know if you should take it with food. Also know what side effects to watch for.
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How can you stay safe with multiple medicines?
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Talk with your doctor before you take a new medicine. This includes
over-the-counter medicines and supplements.
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Tell your doctor about any medicine side effects. The doctor may be
able to adjust your medicines.
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Find out if your medicines aren't safe to take with other ones. Ask
your doctor or pharmacist to run your medicine list through a drug interaction checker.
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Know the names of your medicines. Be sure you know what health
problem you're using each one for.
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Try to use one pharmacy. The pharmacist will know what you are
taking. They'll watch for problems.
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Talk to your doctor before you stop or change the dose. Suddenly
stopping some medicines may cause problems.
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Current as of: September 25, 2023
Content Version: 14.0
Care instructions adapted under license by your
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