Unfortunately, written prescriptions can be very confusing because they often contain shorthand, acronyms and abbreviations, many based in Latin. Here are some guidelines for understanding written prescriptions.
Make sure any written prescription your doctor gives you notes the following:
- your name and address
- the date
- your date of birth
- the name of the drug
- the dosage strength and form (for example, tablets,
capsules, liquid)
- the amount to be dispensed
- directions for taking or applying the drug
- the number of refills
- the doctor’s identification information.
If any of that information is missing, ask your doctor to fill it in. Double check the abbreviations and acronyms to be sure the instructions your doctor gave you are the same instructions she wrote on the prescription.
Once your pharmacist fills the prescription and hands you the drug, take the time to read the prescription label itself so you understand it completely before you begin using the drug. Check to be sure you have the right drug, in the right dose, in the right amount. And as best you can, review the printed patient information provided about the drug before you begin taking or applying it.
