![Hydra Logo](/img/logo.webp)
When you’re sick, medicines can help you feel better and get well. But if you don’t follow the directions, medicines can harm you.
You can lower your chances of side effects from medicines by carefully following the directions on the medicine label or from your pharmacist, doctor, or nurse.
Side effects may be mild, like an upset stomach. Other side effects — like damage to your liver — can be more serious. Some side effects can even be deadly.
Take these steps to avoid problems with medicines:
The 2 categories of medicine are prescription and over-the-counter (OTC).
Prescription medicines are medicines you can get only with a prescription (order) from your doctor. You get these medicines from a pharmacy.
These medicines are only safe to use if your name is on the prescription. Using someone else’s prescription medicine can be very harmful.
Sometimes you can choose between a generic medicine and a brand name medicine. Generic and brand name medicines work the same way, but generic medicine usually costs less.
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company for more information about generic medicines. Learn more about generic medicines.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are medicines you can buy at a store without a prescription.
Some examples of OTC medicines include:
All OTC medicines come with a Drug Facts label. The information on this label can help you choose the right OTC medicine for your symptoms.
The Drug Facts label also gives you instructions for using the medicine safely. OTC medicines can cause side effects or harm if you use too much or don’t use them correctly.
Following the directions on the Drug Facts label will lower your chances of side effects. Learn more about what’s on the Drug Facts label.
Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can also help you choose OTC medicines and answer any questions you may have.
Take these steps to prevent problems and mistakes with your medicines.
Before you use any new prescription medicines, tell your doctor:
Be sure to keep taking prescription medicines until your doctor tells you it’s okay to stop — even if you’re feeling better. If you're worried the medicine is making you feel worse, tell your doctor. Keep in mind that sometimes you can get side effects from stopping your medicine.
If you think you may have a problem with either legal medicines or illegal drugs (like heroin or cocaine), tell your doctor. Your doctor needs to know what drugs you’re using before you start a new medicine — and treatment can help you stop misusing drugs. Learn more about getting help for drug misuse.
Be sure to read the directions carefully when taking prescription or OTC medicines. Learn more about using OTC medicines safely.
If you notice unpleasant side effects after taking medicine, like feeling dizzy or having an upset stomach, call your doctor or nurse.
To use a medicine safely, you need to know:
Ask your doctor or nurse questions to be sure you understand how to use your medicine. Take notes to help you remember the answers. You can even ask to record the instructions on your phone. Check out these questions to ask your doctor or nurse.
You can also ask a pharmacist if you forget how to use a medicine or you don’t understand the directions. Use these tips to talk with a pharmacist about your medicines.
Follow these tips to help you keep track of your medicines:
Medicines that are stored correctly last longer and work better. Follow these tips:
Call the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) right away if a child or someone else accidentally uses your medicine.