4 Tips for Medication Safety

For many people, medications play an important role in managing health—they reduce symptoms of chronic diseases, aid you in healing from infections and can even be lifesaving. Not only are medications incredibly valuable for keeping people healthy, new discoveries and advances often mean improved treatments or options with less side effects. According to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 8 in every 10 Americans take at least one regular medication, and more than 1 in 4 take five or more prescriptions.

Still, medications come with risks. From allergic reactions to improperly combining medications, it’s important to ask your doctor about medication safety. Here are a few simple ways you can stay safer.

Ask questions

If there’s ever anything you don’t understand, ask your healthcare provider! Your healthcare provider can explain why they’re prescribing a medicine, how to take the medicine and how long to take it. If you think of a question when you pick up your medicine, you may also ask your pharmacist.

Your healthcare team is a crucial resource for helping you stay well, and that includes understanding medication safety. Looking for a new healthcare provider?Find an Adventist Health providernear you.