41 Talk to your Healthcare Professional Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional about all aspects of your medication. Discuss any questions or concerns you might have. • Discuss your medical history.This includes any health conditions you have, allergies and sensitivities, and what medications, including natural health products, you are taking. Keep a record of all your medications. • Mention if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to have a baby. • Discuss any difficulties you might have swallowing medication or remembering to take it on time. Did you Know? It is best to use the same pharmacy for all your prescriptions. The pharmacist will get to know you and your medical history, which will help identify any harmful interactions with other medications that you are taking. Learn about your medication • Ask your healthcare professional why you are being prescribed the medication, how it should work, and whether you will need regular check-ups or tests. • Ask about how to reduce the risk of side effects and possible harmful interactions with food, beverages (like grapefruit juice), vitamins, and herbal supplements. • Ask when you should expect to start feeling better, and if and when you should go back to your doctor. • Ask your pharmacist for documentation/pamphlets on the medications you are taking. Store Medications Safely • Always keep products in their original containers, even when travelling. • Never combine different medications in the same bottle. • Keep products in a cool, dry area, away from the sun. • All medications must be kept out of the reach of children. Dispose of Medications Properly At least once a year, go through your medicine cabinet and remove all prescription and non-prescription medications that are expired or that you no longer take. Medications must be disposed of correctly: return them to your pharmacy or to your local waste disposal depot. Report a side effect It is important to report a side effect to a medication by contacting your healthcare professional.You can also report it directly to Health Canada. www.canada.ca HELP PREVENT PROBLEMATIC PRESCRIPTION DRUG USE continued
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