Take an active role in your medication safety

• Download a MedCard (PDF)* and write down your most current information. Carry it with you at all times.
  • Disponible en espanol.
• State ALL medications and allergies to nurses, doctors and others who ask. This includes prescription, over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements such as vitamins and herbs.
• Ask for information about your medications in terms you can understand.
  
  • What is this medicine for?
  • How am I supposed to take it and for how long?
    
  • What side effects are likely?
    
  • What do I do if side effects occur?
    
  • Is this medicine safe to take with other medicines or dietary supplements I am taking?
    
  • What food, drink, or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?
• When your doctor writes you a prescription, make sure you can read it. If you can’t read your doctor’s handwriting, your pharmacist might not be able to either.
• When you pick up your medicine from the pharmacy, check that it is what the doctor prescribed.