Well care

Pharmacist guidance: Ask your pharmacist about the source of the medicine if you're in doubt. A trusted pharmacist will provide safe, authentic products.

Persistent Symptoms: If side effects persist or worsen over time, contact your doctor for advice.

Medication Appearance: If you have taken this medication before, ensure it looks the same. If it looks different, ask the pharmacist about the change.

Ask your pharmacist if there is a generic equivalent available. Generic medications are usually much cheaper than brand-name medications.

Generic vs. Brand Name: Consider purchasing generic versions of medications, as they are often more affordable than brand-name drugs but are equally effective. However, always consult your healthcare provider before switching to a generic version.

Consult a healthcare professional: Regularly visit a healthcare professional, such as a primary care physician, for check-ups, preventive screenings, and guidance on maintaining good health.

Some medications can cause side effects that mimic other health problems occurring in older adults, such as memory difficulties, dizziness and sleepiness. Ask your healthcare provider if any new health problems you are experiencing could be due to your medications.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist:
Before purchasing any medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to make sure it is safe and appropriate for you to use. They can also provide guidance on the correct dosage and any potential side effects.

If a certain medication seems out of your budget, ask your health care provider if there is a less expensive, effective alternative. Additionally, tell your health care provider if you think a medication isn't working well, for example, if a medication is not relieving pain like you think it should.

Most medicines are best stored up and away, in a cool, dry place such as a high dresser drawer, storage box, closet shelf, or kitchen cabinet, keeping them away from hot appliances and sinks.

If you are having trouble remembering how and when to take your medicine, talk with your pharmacist or other health care provider. They may have tools such as prefilled pillboxes, automated reminders attached to pill bottles, and other options to help you take the right medicine, at the right dose, and at the right time.

How to give pills correctly.

Make sure you give medicines at the right time of day. If you give them at the wrong time, it could stop them working properly. Make sure you know if the medicines should be taken with food or in between meals. Again, if you give them incorrectly, it could stop the medicine working properly or cause side effects.

Expired medicines and medicines you no longer need are not just a risk to you but can also cause harm to your children, grandchildren, and pets if taken by mistake.

Don't take prescription medication your health care provider has not prescribed for you. Taking someone else's prescription medication can be very dangerous.

Doctors consider many factors, such as allergies and drug interactions, before prescribing medication for a patient. Taking unprescribed medication can have unexpected side effects or cause serious reactions.

Take your medicine regularly and according to your health care provider's instructions. If you're having bothersome side effects or have other questions, talk to your provider.