AVOID TROUBLE Medicine caution
Here are some ways to avoid bad reactions to common medications:
When a physician prescribes a new medicine, don't leave the doctor's office without knowing the correct dose, how often to take it, possible side effects or symptoms of allergy or overdose, and what to do if those symptoms occur.
Ask if there are foods, drinks, other medicines, or activities that should be avoided while taking the drug.
Ask if you'll need periodic blood tests or other monitoring to make sure the drug is working properly.
Ask your doctor similar questions about any over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements or herbal products you use, and if they might have bad interactions with prescription drugs.
Notify your doctor about any significant weight gain or loss or change in diet or activity level that might require changing the dose of a prescription drug.
Don't stop taking a prescribed drug without notifying your doctor.
Sources include Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and patient safety experts.
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