Taking medicines safely and effectively.

Some simple rules can make the taking of necessary medicines safer:

• Read the label on the container and, if you don't understand something or need more information, ask your Guardian pharmacist.
• If a doctor prescribes a drug for you make sure the doctor knows all other medications you are taking including over the counter and alternative medicines.
• Read directions, warnings and interaction precautions printed on all medicine labels and packages. Even over-the-counter medicines can cause problems.
• Take medicine with a full glass of water.
• Don't stir medicine into your food, break tablets, or take capsules apart (unless your doctor tells you to do so), because this may change the way the drug works.
• Don't take vitamin pills at the same time of day you take medicine, because vitamins and minerals can interact with some drugs.
• Don't mix medicine into hot drinks, because the heat from the drink may destroy the effectiveness of the drug
• Never take medicine with alcoholic drinks.