Many people take prescriptions and over the counter medicines on a regular basis to manage and treat health conditions. It is important to know that as we age, our body changes and the way the body absorbs medicines is different. When it comes to managing your health and using medicines, it is important to know about the medicines you are taking and what they are for, and learn to recognize possible undesired side effects.

What do I need to tell my health care provider?
When visiting your health care provider it is important to talk about your medical conditions, the medicines you are taking, and any health concerns you have. Make sure to discuss:

The medicines you take, including those bought over the counter, such as pain relievers, vitamins, supplements, antacids, creams or ointments, herbal and natural products, teas, and home remedies. If you have been taking a medicine for a long time, ask your health care provider to evaluate how well it is working, whether you still need to take it, whether there is anything you can do (like eating healthier and increasing your exercise) to cut back, or eventually stop taking the medicine. Do not stop taking the medicine on your own without first talking to your health provider.

Your medical history. Tell your health care provider if you have any allergies to certain foods, medicine, or other types of allergies. Your provider will want to know about any illness, surgery, or accidents you have had, and the type of medical treatment you received.

Your eating habits. Discuss your eating habits with your health care provider, especially if you follow or have recently changed to a very low-fat diet or a high calcium diet. Tell your health care provider how much coffee, tea, or alcohol you drink daily, and whether you smoke. These things make a difference in the way your medicine will work.

If you have trouble swallowing tablets, ask your health care provider for other alternatives. Perhaps there is a liquid medicine you could use. Do not crush, break, or chew tablets without first asking your health care provider.

Simplify your medicine schedule. If it is difficult for you to follow your medicine schedule, discuss it with your health care provider. He or she may suggest a different medicine or ideas that better fit your lifestyle. For example, if taking a medicine four times a day is a problem for you, perhaps your health care provider could prescribe a medicine that you only need to take twice a day.

What are the different kinds of interactions?
Medicine-medicine interaction: When medicines react with each other they can: cause unwanted side effects, cancel each other’s effectiveness, or change the effect of a medicine. That is why you should only take medicines that your health care provider has prescribed for you.

Medicine-food interaction: What you eat or drink can keep your medicines from working the way that they are intended. Some medicines and some foods should not be taken together. In some cases, the presence of food in the digestive system may change how a medicine is absorbed. Likewise, some medicines can change the way nutrients are absorbed or used in the body.

Medicine-alcohol interaction: Many prescription medicines and over the counter medicines have a negative effect when taken with alcohol. Mixing alcohol with some medicines may cause you to feel tired and slow your reactions.

What are side effects?
Side effects are the unintended conditions or feelings that you may experience when taking a medicine. Many prescription and over-the-counter medicines have side effects. Most side effects are not serious and may disappear on their own, but sometimes side effects can be bothersome or even harmful.

What questions should I ask my health care provider about the medicines I take?
Knowing when and how to take medicines helps you take control of your health. The following questions will help you gather the information you need.

About the medicine:

• What are the brand and generic names of the medicine? Should I use the generic form?
  
• What is the medicine for and what effect should I expect? Does this medicine replace any other medicine I have been using?
  
• When should I notice a difference or improvement? When should I report back to the health care provider? Will I need to have any testing to monitor this medicine’s effects?

How to take it:

• How and when will I use it, what amount will I use, and for how long? What do I do if I miss a dose?
  
• Should I avoid any other medications (prescription or over the counter), dietary supplements, drinks, foods or activities while using this medicine? Could there be interactions?
  
• Where and how do I store this medicine?

Side effects of the medicine:

• What are the possible side effects? What do I do if a side effect occurs?
  
• What other medicines or therapies could be used to treat this condition? How do the risks and the benefits compare?
  
• Where and how can I get written information about this medicine? What other sources of information can I use to make my decision?

Tips for the consumer
Your prescription and over the counter medicines

• Take your medicines exactly as directed by your health care provider and for the entire duration they are prescribed even if you feel better.
• Do not stop taking them without consulting with your health care provider.
• Know your medicines. If you take more than one type, be able to tell them apart by size, shape, color, number or name imprint, form (tablet or capsule) or container.
• Store medicines in a cool, dry place, away from bright light. Do not store medicines in the refrigerator unless your health care provider, or pharmacist, or the label tells you to do so.
• Check for package tampering and expiration date. Do not buy products if the packaging has been broken, or if the expiration date has passed.
• Before you travel, ask your health care provider how you should adjust your medicine schedule to account for changes in time zones, routine, and diet. When flying, carry your medicines with you. Do not pack them in your checked luggage.
• If there are children in your home, remember to place medicines out of their reach and order child-resistant caps.
• If you buy medicines over the internet, make sure the website is a U.S. state-licensed pharmacy by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (www.nabp.info), and that it displays the seal of approval of the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS® Seal) program.
• Use over the counter products as directed on the label. The label tells you what the medicine is for, how to take the medicine, active and inactive ingredients, interactions or side effects, and other warnings. Ask your pharmacist for advice.

The following Medicine Chart will help you keep track of your medications. Click to open the chart in another window. Complete this chart and share this information with your health care providers.

Resources

National Alliance for Hispanic Health
Su Familia: The National Hispanic Family Health Helpline
1-866-SU-FAMILIA
SuFamilia@hispanichealth.org
http://www.hispanichealth.org

National Council on Patient Information and Education
http://www.talkaboutrx.org

U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
Information for Consumers
http://www.fda.gov/cder/info/consumer.htm