To ensure that you use medicines safely and know how to store them, follow these guidelines:

Do:

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

• Keep medicines in their original containers (except when setting up daily or weekly doses in a 'dose-reminder' box).

• Keep medicines that are to be applied to the body (creams) separate from medicines taken by mouth to prevent swallowing medicines intended for external use (some may be poisonous).

• Always double-check the directions on the labels of prescription and nonprescription medicines before you take them. If you do not understand the directions, call your doctor or pharmacist for an explanation.

• Read and follow any warnings on the labels of nonprescription medicines. Some nonprescription medicines should not be taken without professional advice when you have certain medical conditions (such as diabetes, heart conditions, high blood pressure, pregnancy). If you have questions about your use of nonprescription medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain.

• If you are seeing several doctors, be sure they all know what medicines you are taking by mouth, receiving by injections or by rectum, or applying to the eyes, nose, or skin. Also, tell each doctor about medicine or food allergies you may have, or suspect, and any other medical treatments you are receiving.

• Ask your pharmacist to explain the difference before you take medicine that looks different when you refill a prescription (different color, size, shape).

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects of medicines and what to do if they occur.

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking medicines. The use of alcohol may increase side effects.

Don't:

• Do not put several medicines in one prescription container. The directions for all the medicines may be different.

• Do not store medicines in a bathroom. The heat and humidity in the bathroom may destroy or alter the medicine. Keep medicines in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Refrigerate medicines when indicated on the label.

• Do not take medicines from unlabeled containers.

• Do not take medicines in the dark.

• Do not keep medicines on a bedside table. You may take the wrong medicine or wrong dose when you are not fully awake or alert. You may make an exception for emergency medicines such as nitroglycerin or other chest pain medicines.

• Do not use medicines that are old or that are beyond any expiration date on the label. Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of out-dated medicines.

• Do not increase or decrease the dose of any prescription medicine unless approved by the doctor who prescribed the medicine. Do not stop taking any prescription medicines until your doctor tells you.

• Do not give or share prescription medicines with others, even when they may appear to have the same symptoms. What may be good for you may be harmful to others.

Taking medicines is an important responsibility. Make sure you follow directions and take the necessary precautions for using your medicines.