Introduction Medication safety is a critical aspect in improving the health of individuals and increasing their quality of life. When used in the proper manner, medications contribute to the health and longevity of the consumer. In 2009, 3.9 billion prescriptions were dispensed, illustrating the growing importance of health care and treatment throughout the United States. There are many ways to ensure the correct usage of these medications, but resources available to patients are not always utilized to the fullest. The best way to guarantee proper medication‐taking practices is to be an informed consumer.

The more knowledgeable you are about the medicines you are taking, the better equipped you are to help prevent errors. It is beneficial to inquire all the facts about the medications you are prescribed. For example, you should not hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects and risks associated with a drug, the best way/time to take medicine, and long‐term effects that could arise if a medication must be taken for your lifetime. Being an active member of your health care team is the most important way to ensure safe medication use.

Tell your health care team if you… - Are taking additional drugs (Rx or OTC), vitamins, supplements, or herbal products prescribed or recommended by other health care professionals - Have drug allergies - Are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are nursing a Baby - Have any other illnesses or medical conditions - Are concerned about cost

Communicating with your doctor/pharmacist - Write down questions you may have for your doctor ahead of time and take them with you to your appointment - Take notes when you receive information - Make sure hand‐written prescriptions are legible - Ask for a copy of prescriptions submitted electronically - Ask your doctor to write down what the medication is being used to treat on the prescription - Use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions -Read and save all patient information you receive with your prescription

Ask Questions - What is the brand/generic name of this medicine? - Can I use the generic? - Why am I taking this medicine? - Do I need to stop using any current medications once I start this new prescription? - Can I get refills on this medicine? If so, how often can I have it refilled? - Do I need to take any tests while I am using this medicine?

- How soon should this medicine begin to work, and how can I tell if it is working? - At what point should I inform a doctor about a side effect or problem? - Is there printed information available for me about this medicine?

Medication Misuse - Taking the incorrect dose - Taking the medication at the wrong time - Forgetting to take a dose - Stopping medications too soon

Most Common Misuse Insulin –can lead to death or permanent impairment Blood thinners –can lead to death or permanent Impairment Antibiotics –can cause return of infection with antibiotic resistant organisms Aspirin –can lead to death or permanent impairment Pain medications –can lead to death or permanent impairment

How to Prevent Misuse - Know your medicine –keep a list Name and dose of medication What the pill looks like Reason for taking it How long to take it Possible adverse side effects How much and how often When to take it, time of day, with or without food Is alcohol safe

Interactions with other medications I am taking If I forget to take it what should I do What complications to watch for Include over‐the‐counter, vitamins, and herbal medications Include your allergies Keep it current, every time your medications change Give it to all your health care providers

- Read the label –every time List of ingredients, make sure you are not allergic Warnings Expiration date - Avoid problems –be prepared Organize your medications‐pill organizer/medication calendar or clock Do not skip your medications Do not share medications Do not take medication in the dark Don’t store in direct sunlight; humidity, heat, and light can affect medicines

Don’t store within reach of children, or refer to medicine as candy to children Keep separate from pet medications Don’t keep topical medications next to toothpaste Don’t chew, crush, or break medications unless instructed to Use only the measuring device included with the medication

Thank