Manage Your Medicines

Whether you take one medicine or many, it’s important to know what you are taking and why. Ask your doctor these questions about any new (and current) medicines you take:

• What is the name of my medicine? Generic name?
• Why am I taking it? How will it help? When will it start working?
• What dose? How often? How long?
• What is the best time (morning, night, etc.) or way to take it (with food, with water)?
• What are possible side effects? What do I do if they happen?
• Are there any foods, drinks or activities to avoid?
• What do I do if I miss a dose?

Fill your prescription at our hospital pharmacy (Ground Floor) before going home to avoid delays in getting your medications. After you are discharged home, you may be referred for a follow-up at the Medication Management Clinic with an Advanced Practice Pharmacist. Please contact the Medication Management Clinic at 310-303-5358 for more information.

Prevent Medicine Errors

Be sure your doctors and nurses know:

• that your name matches the name on the medicine (use your ID bracelet to double-check) 
  
• all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements you take 
  
• any allergies you have to medicines, anesthesia, foods, latex, etc.