Prescription medications play a major role in health care in the United States. Medications are the mainstay for the treatment of both acute illness such as infection and chronic illness such as diabetes. Prescription medications represent 10% of the total amount spent on health care in the U.S. Medications improve quality of life and prolong life when used appropriately. However, when used inappropriately they can cause serious problems including suffering, hospitalization, and death. Doctors, pharmacists, and patients all are responsible for the safe use of prescription medications. It is very important that patients know as much as possible about their medications. Patients should make sure they know:

The name of their medication - most medications have both trade and generic names, patients should know both so they know what they are taking.

What the medication is for – if you can't remember ask your doctor to include the information on the prescription, for example "for allergies."

The strength of the medication – many medications come in multiple strengths, knowing the strength of your prescription can help avoid prescription filling errors.

How should the medication be taken – how many times per day, how far apart should doses be taken, should the medication be taken with food or on an empty stomach, should you avoid certain things while on the medication (foods, alcohol, other medications, etc.), how long will you need to take it.

Know your treatment goals – for example, if you are taking medication for high blood pressure, know what your untreated pressure is and what your target pressure is.

Know your drug or food allergies and make sure your doctor and pharmacist also know them – there are often multiple drugs in the same class, some medications contain fillers that you may be allergic to such as peanut oil, include the type and severity of reaction experienced.

Know the common side effects – most medications have some side effect, you should know the difference between an expected minor side effect and a serious adverse effect and what action should be taken if you experience a serious adverse effect.

Review your medications with the pharmacist when you receive them, question any change in the medication including color, shape, and form (tablet or capsule, etc.).

Much unnecessary expense and suffering can be avoided if patients know as much as they can about their medications. The health care triad of patient, doctor and pharmacist is strongest when all three share in the responsibility for quality health care.

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