What Can You Do?

Medication Safety at Home
Ask the doctor and pharmacist about medicine prescribed for you. What is the name, benefits and possible side effects or reactions with other medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, or food/beverages?

What is it? Make sure you know the name and color of the medicine. Take medicine in well-lit areas.

• What is the name, benefits and possible side effects or reactions with other medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, or food/beverages?
• What is it? Make sure you know the name and color of the medicine. Take medicine in well-lit areas.
• What is it for? Make sure you know why the medicine is being taken.
• How do I take it? Ask the doctor or pharmacist to explain how to take the medicine and how often it should be taken.
• What should I look for? Ask what the results should be and possible reactions.

Double-Check Your Prescription
Before you leave the pharmacy check your medicine to make sure it was correctly prepared for you. It's important to look before you leave because pharmacies do not usually take medicine back once it has been purchased.

Destroy Old Medications
Don't keep medications in your home that are no longer being taken. They can change chemically which could alter how they work. It's best to flush them down the toilet or pour them down the sink. If you still need the medication, call your health care professional about a new prescription.

Discuss Previous Allergies or Reactions
Make sure your health care provider and pharmacist know about any allergies or reactions to drugs you or your family member might have.

At the Hospital or Clinic
Have Someone With You
Bring a family member or friend who knows your medical history and who can also ask questions. This can help to ensure the best care possible. Family members often provide the comfort and support needed to promote your return to good health.

Brown Bag It
Bring the medicines or a list to every appointment. Include over-the-counter, herbal, or dietary drugs. The list should include the name of the drug, the dose, how often it is taken, how it is taken and who prescribed it for you. Remember to throw away old medications by flushing them down the toilet.

Be Active and Speak Up

• Share medical information. Write down and carry important medical information with you. Keep a list of health care providers you see routinely. This list should include the name, credentials, specialty, address and telephone numbers and, if possible, the last visit date.
• Ask health care providers about test results and the plan of treatment. If the explanation is not clear, keep asking questions until the information is understood.
• Be aware of what medications are being prescribed or administered. Ask questions if the medicines look different or don't sound right.
• Hand washing is a very effective way of eliminating the spread of infections. Patients, family members and health care providers should wash their hands frequently.
• Bring paper or a notebook with you to the clinic or hospital. Write down questions and discuss them with your health care professional before you leave the clinic or hospital. Take notes about what you learn. At the end of your visit to the clinic or hospital, ask for information in writing, including information about medicines, follow-up care and your treatment plan.
• Learn as much as you can about your condition or treatment plan. One of the most important ways you can help to prevent medical errors is to be an active and informed member of the health care team. This means taking part in every health care decision.

Preparing for Surgery

• Ask questions. Prior to surgery, talk to your health care provider about any concerns you or your family members may have.
• Talk about the procedure. Make sure that you, your surgeon, and the operating team all agree and are clear on exactly what is going to be done.
• Mark the area. Your surgeon, with your participation, will mark the area to be operated on.