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Guidelines for Safe
and Effective Drug Use

DO

• keep a written record of all drugs (and vaccines) to which you become allergic or have an adverse reaction to. This should be done for each member of the family, especially the elderly or infirm.
• keep a written record of all drugs (and vaccines) to which your children become allergic or experience an adverse reaction.
• fill out "Your Personal Drug Profile". Get the number of your Poison Control Center today and post it by your telephone. The worst time to try to find an emergency number is while there is a dire need for it. Fill in the Medication Map, and ask your doctor if the times selected and combinations of medicines are appropriate.
• tell your doctor of all known or suspected allergies, especially allergies to drugs. Be sure that allergies are a part of your medical record. People with allergies are four times more prone to drug reactions.
• call your doctor immediately if you think you are having an overdose, side effect, or an adverse effect from a drug.
• ask if it is safe to drive a car, operate machinery, or engage in other hazardous activities while taking the drug(s) prescribed.
• ask if it is safe to drink alcoholic beverages while taking the drug(s) prescribed. We often forget that alcohol is a drug with its own pharmacology and drug-drug interactions.
• find out if any particular foods, beverages, or other prescription or nonprescription medicines should be avoided while taking the drug(s) prescribed.
• keep all appointments for follow-up examinations or laboratory tests. ask for help to understand any point that confuses you. If you are concerned about remembering information or instructions for use, ask for written materials.
• throw away all outdated drugs.
• ask your doctor if a prescribed medicine offers the best balance of cost and outcomes for you.
• store all drugs for intermittent use out of the reach of children. This is critical for those of you with grandchildren who visit infrequently.