When you’re taking medication, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. But there are some things you should never do while taking medication. Whether your doctor sent your prescription medication through an eprescribe software or gave it to you in person, here are 15 things you should never do while taking medication.
- Don’t miss a dose– Skipping a dose can make your medication less effective and cause your condition to worsen. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.
- Don’t stop taking your medication– If you stop taking your medication, your condition could worsen or come back. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, talk to your doctor before stopping.
- Don’t change the dose– Taking more or less medication than prescribed can be dangerous. If you think your medication is too strong or weak, talk to your doctor. They may be able to adjust the dose.
- Don’t take someone else’s medication– Taking someone else’s medication can be dangerous. Medications work differently for different people, so what’s safe for one person may not be safe for another.
- Don’t share your medication– Sharing your medication with someone else is dangerous and illegal. If you’re caught sharing your medication, you could face legal penalties.
- Don’t take medication that’s expired– Taking expired medication can be dangerous. The potency of the medication may have decreased, making it less effective. If you have any questions about whether your medication is still safe to take, talk to your pharmacist.
- Don’t store your medications in a hot car– Storing your medications in a hot car can damage them. If the medication is a liquid, it could evaporate. If the medication is a capsule or tablet, it could melt or break down.
- Don’t store your medications in the fridge– Storing your medications in the fridge can damage them. Some medications need to be stored at a certain temperature to remain effective. If you’re not sure if your medication needs to be refrigerated, talk to your pharmacist.
- Don’t take medications with alcohol– Taking medications with alcohol can make the medications less effective or even dangerous. If you’re taking medication, it’s best to avoid alcohol altogether.
- Don’t take medications with grapefruit juice– Grapefruit juice can interact with some medications and make them less effective. If you’re taking medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist before drinking grapefruit juice.
- Don’t take medications with antacids– Antacids can interact with some medications and make them less effective. If you’re taking medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking an antacid.
- Don’t take medications with dairy products– Dairy products can interact with some medications and make them less effective. If you’re taking medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist before eating dairy products.
- Don’t take medications with calcium supplements– Calcium supplements can interact with some medications and make them less effective. If you’re taking medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking a calcium supplement.
- Don’t take medications with iron supplements– Iron supplements can interact with some medications and make them less effective. If you’re taking medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking an iron supplement.
- Don’t take medications with magnesium supplements– Magnesium supplements can interact with some medications and make them less effective. If you’re taking medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking a magnesium supplement.