Americans are taking more medications than ever before. Most of these meds allow us to live healthier (and longer), but it’s important to make sure that they are taken correctly.

Over the next few months, the Nurse Tip of the Month will give you some helpful hints about your medications and how to make sure they work best for you.

The most important thing to make sure of when you pick up your prescriptions is that you receive the correct medication in the correct dosage. Before you walk out of the store or drive away from the drive-thru lane, open up the bag and check that the medication and dosage written on the label is what your doctor specifically prescribed to you.

Pharmacies do their best to fill prescriptions correctly, but mistakes do happen and they can result in severe consequences, such as overdoses or negative interactions, so make sure you make a habit of checking every single time you pick up your drugs.

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