Skip to main content
          Skip to FDA Search
          Skip to in this section menu
          Skip to footer links


U.S. flagAn official website of the United States government

					Here’s how you know
          			Dot gov**The .gov means it’s official.**Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site.
							      SSL**The site is secure.** The **https://** ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. 
			U.S. Food and Drug Administration
				
        Search
            Menu
							
						Search FDA
									
									Submit search 
		Featured
							Contact FDA
	                FDA Guidance Documents
	                Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts
	                Press Announcements
	                Warning Letters
	                Advisory Committees
	                En Español

					Products
            Food
							Drugs
							Medical Devices
							Radiation-Emitting Products
							Vaccines, Blood, and Biologics
							Animal and Veterinary
							Cosmetics
							Tobacco ProductsTopics
            About FDA
							Combination Products
							Regulatory Information
							Safety
							Emergency Preparedness
							International Programs
							News and Events
							Training and Continuing Education
							Inspections and Compliance
							Science and ResearchInformation For
            Consumers
	            Patients
	            Industry
	            Health Professionals
	            Federal, State and Local Officials 
 In this section:

                Women's Health

Women's Health

                        


                        Women's Health Topics
          Women's Health Research
          OWH Education and Training
          OWH News and Updates
          OWH Resources for Stakeholders
          About OWH Home
          For Consumers
          Women's Health
          Use Medicines WiselyWomen's Health Use Medicines Wisely
  
  	
    Share
    Post
    Linkedin

    Email
    Printcollage of women of different ages and ethnicities looking at medicine bottles or pills

Print and Share (PDF 2.43MB)

en Español

Medicines can treat health problems and help you live a healthier life. When used incorrectly, medicines can cause serious injuries or even death. Many of these problems can be prevented. Read this guide to learn four (4) ways to avoid common medicine mistakes.

Ask questions.
	Keep a medicine list.
	Follow directions.
	Safely store and throw out medicines.1. Ask Questions

Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to tell you the facts about each medicine you take.

What is the name of the medicine?
	What is the active ingredient(s)?
	What is the medicine for?
	How much do I take and when should I take it?
	What does it look like?
	When does it expire?
	Are there any side effects or special warnings?
	What should I do if I start having side effects?
	Can I take it if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
	What other medicines or foods should I avoid?2. Keep a Medicine List

Write down the important facts about each medicine you take.

List each prescription medicine.
	Include vitamins and over-the-counter medicines like aspirin and cold medicine.
	Keep the list with you all the time.
	Show it to your doctor, nurse, and pharmacist.Download a free My Medicines record keeper. (PDF 1.5 MB)

3. Follow Directions

Your medicine may not work if you don’t follow the directions. Taking too much or too little can make you very sick.

**Use Medicines as Directed.**

Read the directions on the label and ask your healthcare provider how much you should take and when.
	Never skip taking your prescription medicine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you stop taking your medicines.
	Only take the suggested dose.**Avoid Common Problems.**

Don’t share medicines.
	Don’t use medicine in the dark where you can’t see what you are taking.
	Check the expiration date on your medicine. It may not be safe or work after it has expired.4. Safely Throw Out Medicines

Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist how you should get rid of unused medicines. Find out if you should:

flush it down the toilet or sink.
	put it in a sealed plastic bag with coffee grounds or kitty litter and throw it in the trash.
	drop it off at a drug take-back program in your community.Be sure to scratch off your name and personal information before you put empty pill bottles in the trash.

Make sure that children can’t get to medicines including patches that you put in the trash.

Check the FDA website to see which medicines should be flushed down the toilet or sink.

Lock It Up.

Keep your medicine locked in a safe place away from your kids and other adults.

**Avoid common medicine mistakes. Check the FDA website for more resources for women and their families.**

Get a record keeper to list your medicines.
	Download a booklet to help you talk to your doctor about your prescription medicines.
	Watch videos to learn other helpful tips.Resources For You

Safe Medication Use
	Use Medicines Wisely Video
	Educational Resources: Ensuring Safe Use of Medicine
	Sepa cómo tomar sus medicamentos [Use Medicines Wisely]
	Use Medicines Wisely: Large Print
	Use Medicines Wisely for Braille Printers and Refreshable Braille
	Get Other FDA Publications for Women
	For Women Homepage

                                                                                  Content current as of:
      06/03/2019Women's Health

          
                        


                        Women's Health Topics
          Women's Health Research
          Education and Training
          News and Updates
          Resources for Stakeholders
          About OWH
 
 Footer Links
    FDA Archive
          About FDA
          Accessibility
      Visitor Information
          Website Policies / Privacy
          No FEAR Act
          Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
      FOIA
          HHS.gov
          USA.gov
    Contact FDA
      Follow FDA on Facebook
      Follow FDA on X
      Follow FDA on Instagram
      Follow FDA on LinkedIn
      View FDA videos on YouTube
      Subscribe to FDA RSS feeds
    FDA Homepage
    Contact Number
      1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332) Back toTop