Understanding Medications

Medications are powerful. When used appropriately, they have tremendous potential to improve health.

Be sure to contact your doctor’s office if you have any question or problem with your medicines.

Please review the following recommendations.

1. Tell your primary care doctor about every medication you take including over-the-counter (OTC) medicines you buy without a prescription. These may include:
   • vitamins and minerals
   • laxatives
   • cold remedies
   • antacids
   • herbal and dietary supplements
   • homeopathic treatments
   • pain relievers including aspirin, naprosyn (Aleve), ibuprofen (Motrin)
     
2. Tell your primary care doctor if you receive any medications from a provider who does not work for Harvard Vanguard. Your doctor can check to make sure the medication is safe to take for you and, if appropriate, can add it to your medication list in our electronic medical record.


3. Bring your medication bottles to each appointment. This simple action has great potential to improve your health, as well as minimize the possibility of drug interactions and side effects.


4. Make sure the drug name and the directions on the container are clear and easy to read. Do not hesitate to ask questions of your doctor or pharmacist, if you cannot read the bottle label.


5. Take your medicines exactly the way your doctor advises.


6. Do not stop taking a prescription drug unless your doctor tells you to stop.


7. Combining alcohol and medication may be dangerous. Be sure you understand the effect of alcohol on the medications you are taking.
   
8. Do not take drugs prescribed for another person or give yours to someone else.


9. Check the expiration dates on your medication bottles. Throw the medicine away if the date has passed.


10. Tell your doctor if you cannot afford your medications. He/she may be able to find a solution.


11. Use a pillbox to help keep track of your medicines. A pillbox has a compartment corresponding to each day of the week. Fill the box at the beginning of each week. All of your medications will be in one place and you will know exactly what you have taken for the week.


12. Carry an up-to-date list of your medications in your wallet or purse. This may be helpful in an emergency.


13. Remember that virtually all medications have two names: the brand name and the generic name. A good example is the pain reliever Tylenol: “Tylenol” is the brand name and “acetaminophen” is the generic name. The brand and generic versions of a given drug can look different, even if they are the same medication at the same dose. Ask your pharmacist if you are confused about how your medications look.


14. Remember that in most cases, the brand-name drug and generic drug are equally safe and effective. There are rare exceptions to this. In the unlikely event you feel a particular brand of a medication you take is more or less effective than another, please let your doctor know.


15. Plan ahead. When you are within one week of running out of a regularly prescribed medication, check with your pharmacist to see if you have refills remaining on your prescription. If you have no refills remaining, call your doctor’s office.