Many medications can benefit our health, but it is important to keep in mind that there are risks associated with any medication. You can take several steps to help lower the risks by following these tips:

• Keep a current list of all the medications you are taking (including over-the-counter and dietary supplements) and share this list with all your health care practitioners.
• Be sure that all your health care practitioners know about any allergies or sensitivities you may have to certain medications.
• Tell your health care practitioners about anything that might make it difficult for you to take certain medications, such as trouble swallowing.

Know your medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. Make sure you know the answers to these questions:

• When, how and how long should you take the medication?
• How and under what conditions should you stop using it?
• What side effects or interactions can you expect?
• What is the medication supposed to do, and when should you expect results?

Many medications may cause unwanted side effects. Take these steps to reduce these effects:

• Ask if there is anything you can do to minimize side effects, such as eating before taking a medication to reduce stomach upset.
• Write down any changes in the way you feel so that you’ll remember to tell all your health care practitioners.
• Know what to do and when to notify your doctor if you experience side effects.

By monitoring how your medications make you feel and any side effects they may have, you can help your doctor find the best treatment for you.

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