Medicine can help you.
Medicine keeps you healthy.
But medicine can hurt you:
- If you take the wrong medicine
- If you take it the wrong way
Taking Medicine Safely
Medicine comes with directions.
The directions tell you:
- How much to take
- When to take it
- How often to take it
Medicine from Your Doctor
Medicine from your doctor is called a prescription.
Your doctor gives you directions with your prescription.
It’s important to follow these directions.
Medicine from the Store
Medicine from the store comes with directions too.
The directions are on the box.
It’s very important to follow these directions too.
You can ask for help.
If you don’t understand the directions:
- Ask your doctor
- Ask a nurse
- Ask a support person
Side Effects
Sometimes medicine can make you feel strange or bad.
This is called a side effect.
You should try to watch for side effects in your body.
Side Effects
Side effects can be things like:
- A stomach ache
- A headache
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
Tell someone right away if you feel bad after taking medicine!