Medication safety

Woman looking at bottles of prescription drugs

Antibiotics

Taking an antibiotic depends on the kind of infection you have. Antibiotics are medications prescribed to treat bacterial infections, not viruses. Common viruses that do not benefit from antibiotic treatment include:

Antibiotics work when taken as prescribed for a current infection. When an antibiotic is not prescribed, ask your PCP for tips on how to relieve symptoms and feel better.

Misuse

Misuse of prescription narcotic pain killers and heroin addiction are increasing public health issues in Wisconsin. Resources, including opioid treatment options, are available in Wisconsin. See more information: WebMD – Teen Abuse of Cough and Cold Medicine.

Safe Disposal

Visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for guidelines about the safe disposal of unused medicines. Find a disposal location near you at Dose of Reality.

Taking Medications As Prescribed

To get the best benefits from medications, it is important to take them exactly as prescribed. Here are a few tips:

Use your medication only for the symptom of illness for which it was prescribed
Do not take someone else's medication or give your medication to someone else
Take the proper dose of a medication, never more or less unless directed by your PCP to do so

Questions to ask when prescribed medications:

Why you need the medication
How and when to take it
How to store it
What might happen if you don't take it as prescribed