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                Women's Health Topics

Women's Health Topics

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          Medication Safety for WomenWomen's Health Topics Medication Safety for Women
  
  					From FDA Office of Women's Health
	
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    PrintMillions of people benefit from FDA-approved medicines. However, when medicines are not used correctly, they can cause serious health problems or even death. Many of these problems can be prevented. Follow these four steps to avoid common medication mistakes:

1. Ask Questions

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

**Use these materials to help you talk to your healthcare provider:**

Use Medicines Wisely — Important questions to ask your doctor and other helpful tips.

Large font version (PDF 192 KB)
	Printable/Refreshable braille (PDF 21 KB)
	For women with intellectual disabilities and self advocates (PDF 2,451 KB)Medicine and Pregnancy — Questions to ask before using medicines when you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Medicine Booklets — Information to help you talk to your doctor about prescription medicines for high blood pressure, depression, diabetes, birth control, high cholesterol, menopause, and smoking cessation.



2. Keep a Medicine List

Write down the name and important facts about each medicine, vitamin, and herb you take. Note any side effects or problems you have taking your medicines. Keep the list with you all the time. Show it to your healthcare provider so that they know about all of the medicines you take.

Watch and share our video with tips for you and your family.

**My Medicines Record Keeper**

Use the My Medicines brochure to help you keep track of the medicines you take. This brochure is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Polish, and 10 Asian/Pacific Islander languages.

My Medicines - **Fill Out and Print a Copy in English** (PDF 1.5MB)
	Mis Medicinas - **Fill Out and Print a Copy in Spanish** (PDF 1.58 MB)
	My Medicines - **Print a Copy in Other Languages**



3. Follow Directions

It is important that you use your medicine as directed. Your medicine may not work if you don't follow the directions. Taking too much or too little can make you sick.

Read the directions on the label and ask your healthcare provider how much you should take and when to take it.
	Only take the suggested dose.
	Do not stop taking your medicines without asking your healthcare provider, even if your symptoms go away.
	Learn how to read the drug facts label for the over-the-counter medicines.

4. Safely Store and Throw Out Medicines

Ask your doctor or pharmacist where you should keep your medicines at home. Also ask how you should throw out unused medicines that you don't need. Some medicines should not be put in the trash or flushed down the toilet or sink.

Keep medicines locked in a safe place away from kids and other adults.
	Follow these tips on how to safely throw out medicines you no longer need.

Other Helpful Resources

Use these resources to learn more about your medicines and get other medication safety tips.

Drug Information on brand name and generic drugs
	Free Health Materials for Women
	Tips for Seniors
	Giving Medicine to Children
	Buying Medicines Online
	Avoid Health Scams
	Report a Problem
	Women's Health Information on TwitterResources For You

FDA Pharmacists Help You Use Medicines Safely
	Drug Information for Consumers
	How to Dispose of Unused Medicines
	Your Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA

                                                                                  Content current as of:
      09/18/2018Women's Health Topics

          
                        Aging
          Anxiety
          Caregiving
          Cholesterol medicines
          Clinical trials
          Contact lens care
          Cosmetics
          Depression
          Diabetes
          Dietary supplements
          Food safety
          Heart health
          High blood pressure
          HIV
          HPV
          Mammography
          Medication safety
          Medicine and pregnancy
          Menopause
          Osteoporosis
          Pain medicines
          Pregnancy
          Sleep problems
          Smoking
          Tattoos and permanent makeup
          Uterine fibroids


                        Pregnancy Exposure Registries
          Free publications for women
 
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