Look for a medicine that will treat only the symptoms you have. For example, if you only have a runny nose, don't pick a medicine that also treats coughs and headaches. Note how much medicine you should take, and what side effects it may cause. Note what medicines or foods you should not take with the medicine. Just like foods, some medicines come in both brand names and generics.
Generic medicines are generally cheaper.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if a generic form of your prescription medicine will work for you. Compare the list of ingredients. If the generic has the same ingredients as the brand name, you may want to consider using it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about which medicine to choose. This handout provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone.