Administration

• Before filling your medication planners or preparing your medications, it is important for you to wash your hands.
• Working on a clean surface will prevent contamination of your medications and reduce possible error.
• Medicine planners (boxes with compartments for each day of the week) are available for your use. Your home health nurse will show you how to fill and to use these planners by using your medication list.
• Take your medication on a regular basis, at the same time each day. Do not stop taking any of your medications unless you are told to stop by your home health or doctor.
• Report any side effects that may occur.
• In the event that you should accidentally miss a dose of your prescribed medication, please notify home health or doctor who will advise you when to take the next dose.

Storage

• Store medications in their original container with the lids tightly in place and at room temperature.
• Keep bottles in places not accessible to children or exposed to sunlight.
• Avoid storage in the bathroom, glove compartment, or trunk of a car where extremes of temperature or humidity may cause the medicine to deteriorate.

Precautions

• Check medication bottles for expiration dates.
• Do not use any medications that are outdated or no longer needed.
• Dispose of medications by flushing down the toilet or pouring down a sink drain and follow by running water. Do not place in a wastebasket.
• Do not share your prescription medications with others or take medications that are prescribed for someone else.
• If medications become contaminated (soiled with a liquid or dropped on the floor) do not use, but dispose of properly.
• Telephone your pharmacist when your prescription needs to be refilled. Give the prescription number listed on the bottle.
• Carry your current medication list with you to your doctor’s appointment, have that office record any changes.
• Do not take "over the counter" (including herbal medicines) without first checking with your doctor.