Medication Safety

4. As with medications that treat medical conditions, it is important to consider that sometimes there are associated risks with medications, but it may be worth it to continue the medication if the ___ outweigh the risks.
5. There are some medications, such as ___, that are often prescribed specifically for the purpose of combating potential side effects.
6. Write down any non-emergent questions or concerns you may have about your medications and take them with you to your next ___.
7. Do not ___ the dose of your medication if you feel like your medication is not working or is not strong enough. Modifying doses on your own can have serious consequences. Consult your doctor.
8. ___ ___ generally occur right after starting a new medication. It is important to inform your doctor immediately if you experience adverse effects.
12. ___ or chewing medications should not be done without consulting your doctor or pharmacist, as some medications are extended or sustained release and need to be swallowed whole to be effective, and many medications need to be swallowed whole to be absorbed properly in the gastrointestinal system.
13. Medication ___ should be a top priority for anyone who takes medications! (bonus point)
14. Do not refer to medication as ___ around children.

1. It is important to try to get all of your medications at the same pharmacy (if possible) so that the pharmacist can help watch for ___ between medications.
2. Medications may become less ___ after the listed expiration date on your prescription bottle. Therefore it is important to dispose of any expired medications.
3. Keep with you at all times a ___of all of your prescription and over-the-counter medications (including doses), allergies, and medical conditions. You never know when there may be an emergency.
8. A pill or capsule’s ___ may vary based on the company that manufactures the medications; therefore it is important to keep labeled bottles and know what medications you take by other means than color/size descriptions.
9. You should avoid taking other medications within 1 hour before, or 2 hours after, the administration of ___, as they can interfere with the absorption and availability of the medications, thus interfering with the effectiveness of the medications.
10. Sometimes it is necessary for the physician to adjust medications until they reach a ___ level in the blood stream.
11. Do not ___ taking a medication unless you talk to your doctor first or you are experiencing serious side effects.