Before you use a prescription or over-the-counter medicine, learn as much as you can about it. These are some of the things you should know:

· Generic and brand names
· Active ingredients
· How to use it properly
· How to take it correctly
· Any warnings or precautions you should be aware of
· Any interactions with other medicines, food, or drink
· Any side effects or possible adverse reactions
· What the expiration date is

You can get this information from many sources:

· Your doctor
· Your pharmacist
· The drug manufacturer
· The library
· A bookstore
· The Internet

Two websites that have more information are:

http://www.bemedwise.org/label/label.htm#

and

http://www.fda.gov/cder/consumerinfo/WhatsRightForYou.htm#drug

And remember, if you don't understand something, ASK your doctor or pharmacist to explain it to you.