dishes, one for morning pills and one for evening pills. (Your physician may have pill-sorting trays that he or she can recommend.) You can also try turning your medicine bottle upside down every time you take a pill. It’s an easy reminder that you’ve already taken that medicine.
Always keep taking a drug until your doctor says it’s time to quit. (Tell your doctor if you are having any unusual side effects.) Stopping when you “feel better” can lead to unforeseen complications.
Check the expiration dates on your medicine bottles and throw out anything that’s past its prime.
Don’t take anyone else’s prescription medicine or give yours to others.
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Store your medicines in a cool, dark, and dry place. (The medicine cabinet in your bathroom is not a good choice. Be sure they are out of reach of any little hands, such as your grandchildren.)
Contact your doctor if you experience any side effects — including dizziness, constipation, nausea, sleep changes, diarrhea, incontinence, blurred vision, mood changes, or a rash — after taking a drug.
Obtain a copy of your complete medical record to give to any new doctor or specialist you see. Be sure to remind them about any medications, chronic conditions, and allergies to medications of which you’re aware.
If you have trouble taking your medicines at the same time each day, buy a timer that will go off at set times.