Taking Medicines as Prescribed

Overview

Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat long-term health problems. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health, and perhaps your life, at risk.

Taking your medicines as your doctor says may include:

• What time you take them, such as in the morning or evening, or at 8 a.m. or 6 p.m.
• How much you take, such as 2 teaspoons or 3 pills.
• How you take them, such as with water, food, or on an empty stomach.
• How long you take them, such as for 2 months or until your doctor says to stop.

	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Ellie Rodgers Paul Lehnert	Last Updated: August 27, 2008
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Theresa O'Young, PharmD - Clinical Pharmacist
© 1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.