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Filling Your Prescription

In recent years, there has been an increase in illegal internet pharmacies and counterfeit drug laboratories around the world. In addition, the FDA has warned consumers it cannot guarantee the safety of prescription drugs imported from Canada. 

Fortunately, U.S. authorities have done a good job controlling the situation and, as a result, American patients and health care professionals can have a high degree of confidence in the quality, effectiveness and safety of the medicines in this country.

The best way to protect yourself is to get your medicines from a safe source—a licensed U.S. pharmacist. A licensed pharmacist will be able to answer your questions, warn you of potential side effects, and help you identify potential problems from drug interactions.

After the First Dose

Once you fill your prescription, here are some good rules to follow:

  • Only take medicine prescribed by your provider.
  • Take the medicine just as your provider instructed.
  • Read the drug label.
  • Take the medicine at the same time each day so you don’t forget it.
  • Don’t skip doses.
  • Make sure you understand the potential side effects.
  • Consult with your provider immediately if you experience any side effects.

Medicines may work differently in different people. This depends on gender, age, weight, medical history or other factors. There’s no way to know for sure what side effects, if any, you may experience with a medicine. That’s why you should give your doctor as much information as you can. Talk to your doctor before AND after you start taking your medicine. He or she can help predict and manage any side effects you might have.

Tell your provider if the medicine makes you feel worse or you want to stop for any reason. There may be alternative medicines that work better for you.

Sample Guidelines for the Proper Disposal of Unused Medicines

Patients should follow the directions of their physician and always take their medicines as prescribed. For expired medicines or medicines that are no longer needed, the following guideline for disposal is provided.

  • Unless product directions say otherwise, do not dispose of unused medicines by emptying them into a sink, toilet or storm drain.
  • Add water to pills/tablets/capsules before sealing them in an opaque container;
  • Ensure that the container is sealed so that children, pets and others do not have access to the contents of the container;
  • Dispose of the container in household trash so that it is either incinerated or placed in a government-approved solid waste landfill;
  • Additionally, some states may have varying regulations regarding pharmacy take-back programs in which pharmacies may receive and dispose of returned unused drugs for patients. It is recommended that you contact your local pharmacy to determine if it participates in such programs.

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