SPEAKUP

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**TALK**
//**with your doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other health care professionals.**//


 * **Keep an up to date, written list of ALL of the medicine (prescription and over the counter) and dietary supplements (vitamins and herbs) that you use. Include even the ones you use only occassionally.**


 * **Share this list with ALL of your health care professionals.**


 * **Tell about any allergies or sensitivities that you have have.**


 * **Tell about anything that could affect your ability to take medicines, such as difficulty swallowing or remembering to take them.**


 * **Always ask questions about any concerns or thoughts you may have.**

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**KNOW**
//**your medicines, prescription and over the counter.**//


 * **Know the brand and generic names.**


 * **Know how to store the medicines properly.**


 * **Know when, how, and how long to use your medications.**


 * **Know what to do if you miss a dose.**


 * **Know what you are supposed to do if you miss a dose.**


 * **Know what the medicine is supposed to do and when you should expect results.**


 * **Know about side effects and interactions.**


 * **Know whether you need any tests or monitoring.**


 * **Always ask for written information to take with you.**

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**READ**
//**the label and follow directions.**//


 * **Make sure you understand the directions or ask if you have questions or concerns.**


 * **Always double check that you have the right medicine. Do this BEFORE you leave the pharmacy.**


 * **Keep medicines in their original labeled containers, whenever possible.**


 * **Read and follow the directions on the label and the directions from your pharmacist, or other health care professional. If you stop the medicine or want to use the medicine differently than directed, consult with your doctor.**

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**AVOID**
//**interactions.**//


 * **Ask if there are interactions with any other medicines or dietary supplements (including vitamins or herbal supplements), beverages or foods.**


 * **Use the same pharmacy for all of your medicines, whenever possible.**


 * **Before starting any new medicines or dietary supplements (including vitamins or herbal supplements), ask again if there are possible interactions with what you are currently taking.**

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**MONITOR**
//**your medicines' effects and the effects of other products that you use.**//


 * **Ask if there is anything you can do to minimize side effects, such as eating before you take a medicine to reduce stomach upset.**


 * **Pay attention to how you are feeling, note any changes. Write down the changes so that you can remember to tell your doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other health care professional.**


 * **Know what to do if you experience side effects and when to notify your doctor.**


 * **Know when you should notice an improvement and when to report back.**

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