By Justin Ebert, PA-C, MCHC Medical Director
When your healthcare provider prescribes medication, it’s important to understand four things: the name of the medication, why it is being prescribed, its side effects, and the instructions on how to use it.
Some medications should be taken on an empty stomach, while others should only be taken with food. Some medications must be taken several times a day, while others should only be taken once a day. Some medications are prescribed to remedy a short-term problem, while others are intended for long-term use.
Paying attention to medication labels allows you to understand how to take the prescription safely and in a way that allows it to be as effective as possible. Even if you start feeling better, take all the medication as prescribed unless your healthcare provider says otherwise. This helps assure that your infection or other problem won’t come back. It also helps prevent the creation of antibiotic-resistant strains of illness-causing microbes.
Before you begin any new medication, it’s critical that you’ve been completely open and honest with your healthcare provider about any other substances you may be using, prescription or not. Medications that are perfectly safe and effective when taken alone can become ineffective or even dangerous when they interact with other medications, medicinal herbs, home remedies, illicit drugs, or alcohol.
When you pick up your new prescription at the pharmacy, review the label to make sure everything matches the information provided by your healthcare provider. While you’re there, if you’ve been prescribed pills (rather than an ointment or eye drops, for example), consider purchasing a pill organizer. This allows you to avoid mix-ups and missed medications. Another way to remember to take your medication as prescribed is to set reminders on your phone to alert you when it’s time to take your medication.
Here’s what you’ll find on the prescription label:
Patient name and address
Confirm this information is correct before taking (or giving) the medication.
Prescription number
Pharmacies use unique prescription numbers, so they can carefully track who gets what. This is the number your pharmacy will request when you want to order a refill. Every time a pharmacy fills a prescription, it shares the date and prescription details with your insurance provider.
Medication name and strength
If the medication name isn’t the same as the one you discussed with your healthcare provider, you may be getting a generic version of the prescribed medication. If this is the case, the label should say so beneath the medication name.
Quantity and strength of medication with instructions on how often and by what method to take it (by mouth, apply to affected area, etc.). Instructions also note whether the medication should be taken with food and/or water, and whether the medication may cause drowsiness. For your safety, you should always follow these instructions.
Warnings/Cautions
The label and the data sheet that accompanies the prescription list potential side effects, especially if they interfere with your comfort or safety. If the warning advises against operating heavy machinery or notes that you may experience dizziness, avoid driving. This keeps you and others safe, and prevents the possibility of being ticketed for driving under the influence – always a bonus.
Prescription dates and prescriber information
Labels include the date your medication was first prescribed, the most recent date the prescription was filled, and a discard date. It also includes how many refills remain (if any). If you renew the prescription regularly, watch the refill number and contact your healthcare provider when you’re down to only one. Sometimes your pharmacy will offer to call your healthcare provider for an updated prescription.
Pharmacy information
The name, address, and phone number of the pharmacy that filled the prescription are printed on the label. Call the pharmacy if you have any questions or would like to refill your prescription.
When to call your healthcare provider
If you are unclear about the reason you need the medication and the expected duration of treatment, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider. You should also discuss any barriers you may have in taking the medication as directed, whether you’re having unpleasant side effects or concerns about insurance coverage. Your provider probably has ideas or resources to help you overcome these challenges.
Sometimes, a different medication can be prescribed. Other times, there are actions you can take to reduce the side effects. If those don’t work, you and your provider may need to choose a different course of action. I strongly encourage you not to simply stop taking the medication. Some medications require a slow withdrawal. And sometimes the side effects are short-lived.
Keep talking with your healthcare provider until you find a path forward that works for you.
Justin Ebert, PA-C, is the medical director at MCHC Health Centers, which includes Hillside Health Center and Dora Street Health Center in Ukiah, Little Lake Health Center in Willits, and Lakeview Health Center in Lakeport. MCHC is a community-based and patient-directed organization that provides comprehensive primary healthcare services as well as supportive services such as education and translation that promote access to healthcare.
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