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October is "Talk about Prescriptions" month, sponsored by the National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE). Be informed about the medications you use, keeping these tips in mind:

When you go to the doctor’s office

• Take a complete listing of all the medications you take, including your prescriptive and non-prescriptive medicines and nutritional supplements. At least once a year, bring the actual medications with you to an appointment, and ask about all aspects of your medications to make sure the doctor’s records are consistent with pharmacy records.
• Ask your doctor to fully explain new prescription medicines before you go to the pharmacy, including its name, alternative generic names, dosage and purpose.
• Make sure you can read the doctor’s handwritten prescription.
• If you have several doctors, dentists or other physicians prescribing medication, make sure each doctor has a complete listing of all the medications you take.

When you go to the pharmacy

• Using one pharmacy will help your pharmacist keep a complete record of all your prescription medicines and cross-check for potential drug interactions.
• When picking up a new prescription, ask for a printed information sheet about the medication. Make sure the information accurately explains what your physician told you about the medication, dosage, and possible side effects.
• When buying over the counter medications, read labels carefully, as they may contain ingredients you do not want or should not take with other medications.

At the hospital

• Give a listing of your medications to the healthcare professionals when you first arrive at the hospital.
• Ask the attending physician to tell you about each medication you will be given during your hospital stay and the reason you are taking it.
• Do not let anyone give you medications without checking your hospital identification. This helps prevent you from taking someone else’s medicine.
• When you are discharged with new medications, have a health care professional discuss every medication with you and a family member. Update your medications list and update your pharmacist.

 At home

• Keep all medications in the original, labeled container, to help avoid confusion and to follow proper directions.
• Never take another person’s prescription medications or share yours with anyone.
• Keep medications safeguarded from family members and guests.
• Never take medications in the dark. Turn on the light to be sure you know exactly what you are taking.
• Follow the storage directions. Heat, humidity and light can affect potency and safety, and some medications require refrigeration.
• Follow dosage instructions carefully. Do not chew, crush or break capsules or tablets, unless instructed to do so.

For more information on prescription drug safety, visit the National Council on Patient Information website.