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Please consult a licensed health care professional with questions or concerns about your medication and/or condition.

Last Updated
May 23, 2013
THE DRUG FACTS LABEL > 10 Tips to Be Medicine Smart
Acetaminophen Safe Use Program for Teen Influencers
The Drug Facts Label: Teach Teens How to Be "Medicine Smart" | 10 Tips to Be Medicine Smart

10 Tips to Be “Medicine Smart”

  1. Always read and follow the instructions on the medicine label.
  2. Choose a medicine that will treat only the symptoms you have.
  3. Know what to avoid while taking a medicine (other medicines; certain foods; alcohol).
  4. If you have questions about a medicine, ask a pharmacist or another healthcare professional before you buy it.
  5. Take the medicine exactly as directed on the label.
  6. Be cautious when taking more than one medicine at a time, and ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about potential interactions.
  7. Don't combine prescription medicines and OTC medicines without talking to a healthcare professional first.
  8. Share an up-to-date list of the medicines you take, including prescription, OTC, and dietary and herbal supplements, with each healthcare professional you see.
  9. Do not share your medicines or take someone else's medicines.
  10. Do not use medicines after the expiration date.

Being “Medicine Smart” about Disposing of Expired, Unwanted or Unused Medicines

When medicines are no longer needed, it's important to dispose of them properly to avoid harm to others and to the environment. Learn how to store medicines safely in the home, and how to talk to teens about the importance of using safe disposal options when throwing out expired, unwanted, or unused medicines. These resources can help:

For more information and a list of reminders for using medicine safely, visit www.bemedwise.org.