Health Tips

Black box warning

Before you use any medicine with a black box warning, tell your health care professional if you have any conditions or concerns related to this warning. A black box warning provides information that alerts the healthcare professional and consumer to any serious side effect or other important safety information.

Before using your medicine

Before you use any medicine, tell your health care professional:

• If you have ever had an allergic or unusual reaction to any medicine, food, or other substance, such as yellow dye or sulfites.
• If you are on a low-salt, low-sugar, or any other special diet. Most medicines contain more than their active ingredient, and many liquid medicines contain alcohol.
• If you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. Certain medicines may cause birth defects or other problems in the unborn child. For other medicines, safe use during pregnancy has not been established. The use of any medicine during pregnancy must be carefully considered and should be discussed with a health care professional.
• If you are breast-feeding. Some medicines may pass into the breast milk and cause unwanted effects in the baby.
• If you are now taking or have taken any medicines or dietary supplements in the recent past. Do not forget over-the-counter (nonprescription) medicines such as pain relievers, laxatives, antacids or dietary supplements.
• If you use alcohol or tobacco. Using alcohol or tobacco while you are taking certain medicines could cause unwanted effects and should be discussed with a health care professional.
• If you have any medical problems other than the one(s) for which your medicine was prescribed.
• If you have difficulty remembering things or reading labels.

Storage of your medicine

It is important to store your medicines properly. Guidelines for proper storage include:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Keep medicines in their original containers.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store capsules or tablets in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down. Also, do not leave the cotton plug in a medicine container that has been opened, since it may draw moisture into the container.
• Keep liquid medicines from freezing.
• Do not store medicines in the refrigerator unless directed to do so.
• Do not leave your medicines in an automobile for long periods of time.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine that is no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Proper use of your medicine

Take medicine only as directed, at the right time, and for the full length of your prescribed treatment. If you are using an over-the-counter (nonprescription) medicine, follow the directions on the label unless otherwise directed by your health care professional. If you feel that your medicine is not working for you, check with your health care professional.

Unless your pharmacist has packaged different medicines together in a "bubble-pack," different medicines should never be mixed in one container. It is best to keep your medicines tightly capped in their original containers when not in use. Do not remove the label since directions for use and other important information may appear on it.

To avoid mistakes, do not take medicine in the dark. Always read the label before taking, especially noting the expiration date and any directions for use.

For oral (by mouth) medicines:

• In general, it is best to take oral medicines with a full glass of water. However, follow your health care professional's directions. Some medicines should be taken with food, while others should be taken on an empty stomach.
• When taking most long-acting forms of a medicine, each dose should be swallowed whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing unless you have been specifically told that it is all right to do so.
• If you are taking liquid medicines, you should use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately. Ask your pharmacist about these devices. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of medicine.
• Oral medicine may come in a number of different dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, and liquids. If you have trouble swallowing the dosage form prescribed for you, check with your health care professional. Another dosage form that you can swallow more easily may be available.
• Child-resistant caps on medicine containers have decreased greatly the number of accidental poisonings that occur each year. Use of these caps is required by law. However, if you find it hard to open such caps, you may ask your pharmacist for a regular, easier-to-open cap. He or she can provide you with a regular cap if you request it. However, you must make this request each time you get a prescription filled.

For skin patches:

• Apply the patch to a clean, dry skin area that has little or no hair and is free of scars, cuts, or irritation. Remove the previous patch before applying a new one.
• Apply a new patch if the first one becomes loose or falls off.
• Apply each patch to a different area of skin to prevent skin irritation or other problems.
• Do not try to trim or cut the adhesive patch to adjust the dosage. Check with your health care professional if you think the medicine is not working as it should.

For inhalers:

• Medicines that come in inhalers usually come with patient directions. Read the directions carefully before using the medicine. If you do not understand the directions, or if you are not sure how to use the inhaler, check with your health care professional.
• Since different types of inhalers may be used in different ways, it is very important to follow carefully the directions given to you.

For ophthalmic (eye) drops:

• To prevent contamination, do not let the tip of the eye drop applicator touch any surface (including the eye) and keep the container tightly closed.
• The bottle may not be full; this is to provide proper drop control.
• How to apply: First, wash your hands. Tilt your head back and, with the index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Do not blink. Keep your eyes closed for 1 to 2 minutes.
• If your medicine is for glaucoma or inflammation of the eye: Follow the directions for application that are listed above. However, immediately after placing the drops in your eye, apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye with your middle finger. Continue to apply pressure for 1 to 2 minutes after the medicine has been placed in the eye. This will help prevent the medicine from being absorbed into the body and causing side effects.
• After applying the eye drops, wash your hands to remove any medicine.

For ophthalmic (eye) ointments:

• To prevent contamination of the eye ointment, do not let the tip of the applicator touch any surface (including the eye). After using, wipe the tip of the ointment tube with a clean tissue and keep the tube tightly closed.
• How to apply: First, wash your hands. Pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Squeeze a thin strip of ointment into the pouch. A 1-cm (approximately 1/3-inch) strip of ointment is usually enough unless otherwise directed. Gently close your eyes and keep them closed for 1 to 2 minutes.
• After applying the eye ointment, wash your hands to remove any medicine.

For nasal (nose) drops:

• How to use: Blow your nose gently. Tilt your head back while standing or sitting up, or lie down on your back on a bed and hang your head over the side. Place the drops into each nostril and keep your head tilted back for a few minutes to allow the medicine to spread throughout the nose.
• Rinse the dropper with hot water and dry with a clean tissue. Replace the cap right after use. To avoid the spread of infection, do not use the container for more than one person.

For nasal (nose) spray:

• How to use: Blow your nose gently. With your head upright, spray the medicine into each nostril. Sniff briskly while squeezing the bottle quickly and firmly.
• Rinse the tip of the spray bottle with hot water, taking care not to suck water into the bottle, and dry with a clean tissue. Replace the cap right after cleaning. To avoid the spread of infection, do not use the container for more than one person.

For otic (ear) drops:

• To prevent contamination of the ear drops, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the ear).
• The bottle may not be full; this is to provide proper drop control.
• How to apply: Lie down or tilt the head so the ear needing treatment faces up. For adults, gently pull the earlobe up and back (pull down and back for children). Drop the medicine into the ear canal. Keep the ear facing up for about 5 minutes so the medicine can run to the bottom of the ear canal. (For young children and other patients who cannot stay still for 5 minutes, try to keep the ear facing up for at least 1 or 2 minutes.)
• Do not rinse the dropper after use. Wipe the tip of the dropper with a clean tissue and keep the container tightly closed.

For rectal suppositories:

• How to insert suppository: First, wash your hands. Remove the foil wrapper and moisten the suppository with water. Lie down on your side. Push the suppository well up into the rectum with your finger. If the suppository is too soft to insert, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or run cold water over it before removing the foil wrapper.
• Wash your hands after you have inserted the suppository.

For rectal cream or ointment:

• Clean and dry the rectal area. Apply a small amount of cream or ointment and rub it in gently.
• If your health care professional wants you to insert the medicine into the rectum: First, attach the plastic applicator tip onto the opened tube. Insert the applicator tip into the rectum and gently squeeze the tube to deliver the cream. Remove the applicator tip from the tube and wash with hot, soapy water. Replace the cap of the tube after use.
• Wash your hands after you have inserted the medicine.

For vaginal medicines:

• How to insert the medicine: First, wash your hands. Use the special applicator. Follow any special directions that are provided by the manufacturer. If you are pregnant, however, check with your health care professional before using the applicator to insert the medicine.
• Lie on your back, with your knees drawn up. Using the applicator, insert the medicine into the vagina as far as you can without using force or causing discomfort. Release the medicine by pushing on the plunger. Wait several minutes before getting up.
• Wash the applicator and your hands with soap and warm water.

Precautions while using your medicine

Never give your medicine to anyone else. It has been prescribed for your personal medical problem or condition and may be harmful to another person.

Many medicines should not be taken with other medicines or with alcoholic beverages. Follow your health care professional's directions to help avoid problems.

Before having any kind of surgery (including dental surgery) or emergency treatment, tell the physician or dentist about any medicine you are taking.

If you think you have taken an overdose of any medicine or if a child has taken a medicine by accident: Call your poison control center or your health care professional at once. Keep those telephone numbers handy. Also, keep a bottle of Ipecac Syrup safely stored in your home in case you are told to cause vomiting. Read the directions on the label of Ipecac Syrup before using.

Side effects of your medicine

Along with its intended effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Some of these side effects may need medical attention, while others may not. It is important for you to know what side effects may occur and what you should do if you notice signs of them. Check with your health care professional about the possible side effects of the medicines you are taking, or if you notice any unusual reactions or side effects.

Other information

It is a good idea for you to learn both the generic and brand names of your medicine and even to write them down for future use.

Many prescriptions may not be refilled until your pharmacist checks with your health care professional. To save time, do not wait until you have run out of medicine before requesting a refill. This is especially important if you must take your medicine every day.

When traveling:

• Carry your medicine with you rather than putting it in your checked luggage. Checked luggage may get lost or stored in very cold or very hot areas.
• Make sure a source of medicine is available where you are traveling, or take a large enough supply to last during your visit. It is also a good idea to take a copy of your written prescription with you.

If you want more information about your medicines, ask your health care professional. Do not be embarrassed to ask questions about any medicine you are taking. To help you remember, it may be useful to write down any questions and bring them with you on your next visit to your health care professional.