Before giving or taking any medications, take a minute to examine your prescription. First make sure the name on the prescription is correct. Then read the label carefully and look closely at the medication. Notify your pharmacist if you notice any of these warning signs:

• The tablets or capsules are a different size or color from what you usually take; or liquids look or smell different.
  
  
• The medication name on the label is different from what your physician prescribed.
  
  
• Instructions on the label are different from previous instructions or the instructions given by your physician.
  
  
• The pills in the bottle are not all the same.
  
  
• Some pills in the same package show a variation in color or appear darker or lighter than others.
  
  
• Capsules are deformed.
  
  
• Imprints on capsules or tablets appear smeared.
  
  
• The medication has expired or will expire prior to completion of the prescription (usually only the manufacturer’s bottle will contain the expiration date).
  
  

Reprinted from Allergy & Asthma Health Resource Guide 2002.