Avoiding Drug Interactions

Tips to Avoid Problems

There are lots of things you can do to take prescription or overthe-
counter (OTC) medications in a safe and responsible manner.

Always read drug labels carefully.

• Learn about the warnings for all the drugs you take.
• Keep medications in their original containers so that you caneasily identify them.
• Ask your doctor what you need to avoid when you areprescribed a new medication. Ask about food, beverages,

  dietary supplements, and other drugs.

• Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking an OTCdrug if you are taking any prescription medications
• Use one pharmacy for all of your drug needs.
• Keep all of your health care professionals informed about
  everything that you take.
• Keep a record of all prescription drugs, OTC drugs, and dietary
  supplements (including herbs) that you take. Try to keep
  this list with you at all times, but especially when you go on
  any medical appointment. The Food and Drug Administration
  (FDA) has a Web site where you can get more information
  and download a sample medicine record: www.fda.gov/cder/
  consumerinfo/my_medicine_record.htm