After you pick up your medication, and before you leave the pharmacy, look to be sure you have the correct medicine. The pharmacist can answer any questions you have about your new medication. If you’ve used the medicine before, make sure this medicine has the same shape, color, size, markings, and packaging. Anything different? Ask your pharmacist if you see something that looks different than what you expected. If you discover this difference once you arrive at home, call the pharmacist.
Be sure you know the right dose for the medicine and you know how to use it. Any questions? Ask your pharmacist. Does the medication have any special storage instructions? Make sure there is a measuring spoon, cup, or syringe included with your prescription for liquid medicine. If the medicine doesn’t come with a special measuring tool, ask your pharmacist for one. (Spoons used for eating and cooking may give the wrong dose. Don’t use them.)
Be sure you have any information the pharmacist can give you about the medicine. Read it and save it.
—Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, May 2014
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