THE VICTORY PATIENT GUIDE
Your prescription label.
Make every instruction clear.
Your label is an important starting point for understanding your medicine. Take a moment to review it, and ask your pharmacist or prescriber about anything unclear.
Check the patient name, medicine and directions when you receive a prescription. If anything differs from what you expected, ask the pharmacy to explain it before taking the medicine.
EXPLORE THE INFORMATION
A closer look at your label.
Open each item for details to review with your pharmacist. Label layouts vary; this reading aid is not a sample prescription.
- 1. Your name
- Check that the medicine is intended for you. Ask the pharmacy to clarify any detail that does not match what you expected.
- 2. Medicine name & strength
- Ask the pharmacy to explain the medicine name and strength if either is unfamiliar. Review the directions to understand how to use your prescribed medicine.
- 3. Directions for use
- Review how much to take and how often. Ask your pharmacist or prescriber to explain unclear instructions before taking the medicine.
- 4. Prescription & refill details
- The prescription number helps the pharmacy locate the prescription. Ask the pharmacy to confirm refill status and next steps.
- 5. Warnings & other information
- Read accompanying warnings and written information. Ask about storage, interactions and anything you do not understand.
01Your name
Check that the medicine is intended for you. Ask the pharmacy to clarify any detail that does not match what you expected.
02Medicine name & strength
Ask the pharmacy to explain the medicine name and strength if either is unfamiliar. Review the directions to understand how to use your prescribed medicine.
03Directions for use
Review how much to take and how often. Ask your pharmacist or prescriber to explain unclear instructions before taking the medicine.
04Prescription & refill details
The prescription number helps the pharmacy locate the prescription. Ask the pharmacy to confirm refill status and next steps.
05Warnings & other information
Read accompanying warnings and written information. Ask about storage, interactions and anything you do not understand.
Check the medicine, too.
A refill may look different when its brand or manufacturer changes. Confirm an unfamiliar appearance with the pharmacy rather than identifying a medicine by color or shape alone.
Good questions to bring with you.
Keep a list of prescription medicines, nonprescription products, vitamins and supplements to support your conversation.
- What is this medicine for, and how should I use it?
- Are there side effects or interactions I should know about?
- Do I need any special storage instructions?
- Who should I contact if I still have questions?