Tips for Safe Medication Use
All medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter preparations, vitamin and mineral supplements, and herbal preparations, have potential risks. By following some simple guidelines, you can reduce the risk and possibly lower your costs.
Cost-Saving Tips
- Compare medication prices across different pharmacies, both online and offline. Some pharmacies may offer significant savings.
- Check if a generic equivalent is available. Generics are often more affordable and widely accepted.
- If possible, get a 90-day supply of your medication. This can be more cost-effective than getting a 30-day supply multiple times.
- Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if your medication can be cut in half to save money. Some medications can be split safely, but consult your provider first.
- Review all your medications and supplements with your healthcare provider to ensure you only take what you need. This is especially important if you see multiple providers to avoid duplications.
Medication Safety Tips
- Keep an up-to-date list of all your medications. This helps avoid confusion and ensures you know what you're taking.
- Know the names of your medications and their purposes. Your healthcare provider should be able to understand what you're referring to, rather than vague descriptions.
- Inspect your medication before accepting it from the pharmacy. If anything seems off, ask questions immediately.
- Follow label directions carefully. For instance, some medications require taking with a full glass of water or avoiding certain foods.
- If possible, have a primary healthcare provider manage all your medications. They can coordinate your care and monitor for any potential issues.
- If you and your partner both take medications, keep them separate to avoid mix-ups, which can have serious consequences.
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