Doing Your Part

In addition to asking the appropriate questions and educating yourself on the medications you are taking, you have to take your medications properly.  Follow the dosing instructions carefully.  If you experience a troublesome side effect or any unusual reaction, call your doctor –– even if it’s not listed as a possible side effect on the CMI. 

It’s also important that both your doctor and your pharmacist have a current list of everything you take so they don’t inadvertently give you something that could cause a serious drug interaction.  The list should include prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, and medicinal creams or ointments.

Source:

“Your Medicine: Play it Safe.”  Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  February 2003

Last updated:  September 30, 2007