potential side effects and drug interactions. Taking another person’s prescriptions can cause unexpected side effects or dangerous reactions.
Store medicines properly.
Storing medications properly helps them remain safe and effective.
Most medicines are best kept in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing drugs to extreme heat or cold. For example, don’t leave meds in a car in the summer or winter.
Also keep medicines stored up and away from children, who might be tempted to take a medicine because it looks like candy.
Be sure to check the expiration date of medications and discard expired drugs promptly. Expired medicines might not work as effectively or actually do harm. Further, people with serious or life-threatening illnesses can be at higher risk of potential harm from expired meds.
Watch out for potential drug interactions and side effects.
Medication interactions occur when something ingested affects the way a drug functions, causing dangerous side effects.
These interactions aren’t limited to prescription drugs. Over-the-counter remedies, herbal remedies and supplements can also cause a drug interaction.
Even common foods and drinks can cause serious interactions with medications. For example, grapefruit juice can affect how some medicines work.
Drug labels should contain information on potential interactions. Doctors and pharmacists also can help you avoid interactions.
Some drugs can also cause side effects that mimic other health problems, like memory difficulties, dizziness and sleepiness. You should discuss any such side effects with their doctor.
Keep a medication list
Writing down all the medicines you’re taking can help you keep track of doses and detect any potential drug interactions.
The list should include the name of everything you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and supplements. For prescription drugs, note who prescribed it and why.
The list should be shown to all healthcare providers, including physical therapists and dentists. Ideally, you should keep one copy at home and another with you at all times.