How to Read Your Prescription Label
The label on your prescription medicine tells you how to take it. It is very important to understand this information to take your medicine correctly.
Why is it important to know how to read a prescription medicine label?
Understanding the information on a medication label can help you take it correctly. This can also reduce your chance of an unnecessary trip to your doctor or the emergency room.
How do I read a prescription medicine label?
- Patient name: This is your name or the name of the person the medicine is for.
- Medication name: This is the name of the medicine. It can be a generic name or a brand name.
- Prescription number or Rx #: This is the number assigned to your medicine, which allows you to get a refill.
- Prescriber name: The name of the healthcare provider who prescribed the medicine for you. This helps you know who to contact if you have any questions about the medicine.
- Medication strength: This tells you how strong each pill or tablet is.
- Medication quantity: This tells you how many pills or tablets are in the container.
- Refills: This tells you how many times you can get this medicine. Once you use all the refills, you will need a new prescription from your doctor.
- Instructions: This tells you how to take the medicine, such as the number of times a day.
- Discard date: This is the date that the medicine will expire. If it is not used by this date, you should get rid of it.
- Pharmacy information: The pharmacy’s name, address, and phone number.
- Other labels: Sometimes, the pharmacist may add other labels to the medicine. These labels may have more specific information about the medicine.
All prescription labels will include this information, although it may look different. If you have questions, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for help.
Sources:
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/how-read-prescription-medication-label
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/15212-prescription-medication-labels-how-to-read
