Consumer Information Center My Medicinesfrom FDA's Office of

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	My Medicines Office of Women's Health and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores
	USE MEDICINES WISELY About 30% to 50% of those who use medicines do not use them as directed. This causes more doctor visits, hospital stays, lost wages and changed prescriptions. All this costs Americans as much as $76.6 billion each year. Women often take care of medicines for the whole family, as well as themselves. So we need to read the label, avoid problems, ask questions and keep a record.
	1. READ THE LABEL Before you take any medicine, read the label. The label should show: List of ingredients--If you know you are allergic to anything in the medicine, don't use is. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a different medicine. Warnings --Read these carefully. The expiration date--Do not use a medicine after the date on the bottle. It may not work as well. For more information on your medicines, ask your pharmacist.
	2. AVOID PROBLEMS Medicines can cause problems, or side effects; such as sleepiness, vomiting, bleeding, headaches or rashes. Ask about the side effects of the medicines you are taking. Talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. Organize your medicines. Do not skip taking your medicines. Do not share medicines. Do not take medicine in the dark.
	3. ASK QUESTIONS What is the medicine's name? Is there a generic available? Why am I taking this medicine? Should I take this on an empty stomach or with food? Is it safe to drink alcohol with it? If I forget to take it, what should I do? How much should I take? How long am I to take it? What problems should I watch for? If you are pregnant or nursing a baby, seek the advice of a health professional before taking any medication or diet supplement. Talk with your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. She/he will be happy to help you. List any allergies: Doctor: Phone number:
	4. KEEP A RECORD OF MEDICINES YOU USE Check boxes for the ones you use: Aspirin or other pain/headache/fever medicine Allergy medicine Antacids Cold medicine Cough medicine Diet pills/supplements Laxatives Sleeping pills Vitamins Minerals Herbals Other
	NAME:________________________________________________ LIST YOUR PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES Date Name of My Medicine How Much Do I Take When Do I Take It What Do I Use It for Refills   Example 1 tablet 400 mg 3 times a day after meals Arthritis 2
	KEEP THIS IN YOUR PURSE AND SHOW IT TO YOUR DOCTORS, PHARMACIST, OR NURSE. Have your doctor, pharmacist or nurse report serious problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. The "My Medicines" brochure is available in PDF format, or you can print out these web pages so that you can carry the medicine tracking chart with you at all times. Or, during the month of October, you can pick up a brochure at a participating pharmacy in your community. "My Medicines" is also in available in Spanish and other languages.
	This document was developed by FDA's Office of Women's Health (OWH) and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS). The OWH and NACDS thank all of the participating organizations that have assisted in its reproduction and distribution. Women's Health: Take Time To Care For yourself ... for those who need you   Take Time to Care Home Page Office of Women's Health Home Page FDA Home Page

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