There is plenty of medication that you can buy from the store and use over-the-counter without a prescription when you feel ill. However, when you are using medication that was prescribed to you by a doctor, you need to be extra careful to use it as directed. Prescription medication can be very dangerous if it is used incorrectly. There can be serious side-effects and possible death.
Image via Wikipedia
Understand Your Prescription Medication
Make sure that you always read the label before taking any medication, even if your doctor has already explained to you how to take the medication. This will help you better understand what the medicine is for and what possible side-effects you might experience. You can reduce the effects of the medication if you take it as instructed. For instance, some prescription medications require that you take them with food to cut down on the nausea. Your pharmacist can also be helpful if you have any questions about how to take your prescription medication, as not all medicine should be taken orally.
Get Rid of Old Prescription Medication
If you have extra prescription medication left over after your doctor tells you that you no longer need to take it, you should get rid of it. You should never use prescription medication that was prescribed to you in the past for a new illness. You should return it to your pharmacist or put it in a designated drop-off box.
Having prescription medication in your home can be a temptation to you and others. You should only keep it if you need it and your doctor knows about it.
