Being safe about your medications could save your life. That is why the University of Alabama Hospital has teamed up with hospitals across the state to publish a new informational pamphlet called, "Medication Safety Tips: Important Information You Should Know" (PDF). The pamphlet inlcudes medication safety tips and encourages you to take an active role in your health care.

One important safety tip is to know exactly what medications you take, how much you take and when you take them ... and to be able to give this information to your caregivers. To help you track your medications, we encourage you to use the Universal Medication Form (View Spanish Version) to list the information about the prescription medications, as well as, the over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take. The "Medication Safety Tips" pamphlet includes many tips, including:

1. Tell your doctor or nurse about any past allergic reactions. Make sure you describe the symptoms you experienced when you had the allergic reaction.
2. Take only the medications given to you by your doctor or pharmacist.
3. Take new medication prescriptions and refills to the same drugstore.
4. Make sure any refill of the medication is the same color, size, and shape.
5. Do not stop taking a medication just because you feel better.
6. Keep your medication out of reach of children and pets.
7. Keep your medication away from heat and dampness, which can affect how it works.
8. Throw away medication if the expiration date has passed.
9. Call your doctor right away if you feel any of your medications is making you sick.

Remember, your health is important and taking an active role in your medical care can help prevent medication errors. You should never be afraid to ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about your medications!