Medicine prescribed by your doctor can make you feel better if it is taken correctly.  If medication is taken incorrectly, it does not work as well – it can also be very dangerous.

When taking prescription medication, it is important to remember two things:

1. Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to take the medicine
2. Carefully read the label on the pill bottle

Here are some more medication tips:

• Be sure to check the number of refills you have left on the bottle before requesting another prescription.  
• For your regular medications, Union Health Center providers usually prescribe enough pills for 3 months with 3 refills. This would read QTY: 90 and 3 Refills.   This means you can receive enough medications for almost 1 year without having to call your doctor for a refill!
• If you have no refills left, then provider authorization is required
• Always take medication exactly as your doctor prescribes– if you have any questions or issues, such as trouble paying for a medication, always call your doctor.
• Do not stop taking your medication or change how much you take without talking to your doctor first.
• Ask your doctor before taking over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen or Tylenol, with your prescription medication.
• Don’t share your medication with others or take medications that belong to someone else.

If you have questions about medicine that your doctor prescribed or over-the-counter medication, talk to your primary care physician or call Union Health Center to schedule an appointment with a doctor at 212-924-2510.