Take Your Prescriptions As Directed

Each time you don't take your prescriptions as directed, you decrease your chances of fully restoring your health. This can lead to preventable complications, hospitalization, and even death.

1. Take a moment to say yes or no to the following statements.
2. Sometimes I forget to take my medicine.
3. Sometimes I stop or miss doses of my medicine because I forgot to refill my prescription.
4. When I feel better I sometimes stop taking my medicine.
5. When my medicine causes me to feel worse, I stop taking it.
6. I have cut back or stopped taking my medicine without telling my doctor or pharmacist.
7. Sometimes I don't understand how to take my medicine.

If you said yes to any of these statements, you need to do a better job of taking your medicines.

Things You Can Do

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist right away if you forget to take your medicine.
• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand how to take your medicine.
• Don't assume that it's safe to take two doses to make up for the one missed—it may not be safe.
• Never be afraid to ask your doctor or pharmacist questions about your medicine.

For your safety, learn how to properly dispose of prescription drugs.