Every year, 3.8 billion prescriptions are written in the United States, and approximately 20 percent of new prescriptions are never filled. Of those that are filled, approximately 50 percent are taken incorrectly.¹

Managing medications becomes a daily routine for seniors who are living with chronic conditions that commonly come with age. While taking a pill may appear to be a simple task, multiple medications with different instructions can lead to confusion if not handled correctly. Understanding your prescriptions is crucial for staying healthy and avoiding potential problems. This helpful article breaks down the essentials, offering practical tips to help you take control of your medication routine.

Learn about your medications

It might surprise you to learn that a significant portion of prescriptions aren't taken as directed. The first step is education. When your doctor prescribes something new, be sure to understand everything about that medication before leaving your appointment.² Here are some questions to ask:

• What is the medicine for? 
• Does this medication have another name?
• How should I take it?
• What's the dosage, frequency, and timing?
• Should it be taken with food?
• What potential side effects should I watch out for?
• Are there any interactions with my other medications or supplements?
• How long will I need to take this medication?

Decoding the prescription label

Familiarize yourself with the information on your prescription label. Besides your personal information like name and address, the bottle has vital details printed on it.

• Dosage
• Frequency
• Expiration date
• Refill information
• Pharmacy information warnings
• Description of medicine
• Prescribing doctor’s name
• Prescription number
• Instructions for taking the medicine
• Ingredients
• Quantity
• Refill information

Understanding side effects

What is a side effect? A side effect is an unexpected or unwanted effect you experience when taking medicine. Most side effects are minor inconveniences that resolve on their own, but some can be serious. Here are some helpful tips to consider.

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about potential side effects when starting a new medication.
• Know what to do if you experience a side effect. Should you stop taking the medication? Call your doctor?
• Never stop or change your dosage without consulting your doctor.
• Report any significant side effects to your doctor.³

One of the most important things to remember is not to make changes to your prescriptions or medications on your own. If you think you’re having a side effect, contact your doctor immediately or call 911 for emergencies. You can also report your side effects by calling 1-888-INFO-FDA or visiting www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Schedule regular medication reviews

It's important to schedule regular medication reviews with your doctor or pharmacist. Bring all your medications (prescription, over the counter, vitamins, and supplements) and a list of questions. This is a great opportunity to ensure everything is still necessary and that there are no potential interactions.

To make these appointments go more smoothly, keep an updated list of all your medications, including dosages and frequencies. Share this list with your healthcare providers and keep a copy for yourself in case of emergencies.

Tips for taking your medicine on time

Forgetting to take your medicines from time to time may seem like no big deal, but it can put your health at risk. However, it can be difficult to remember to take your medications each day, especially if you are on multiple types of medicines and/or taking them several times each day. If you often have trouble remembering to take your medicines, talk to your doctor and/or pharmacist. Other helpful habits include:

• Make it routine: Link taking your medication to a daily activity, like brushing your teeth or eating a meal.
• Keep medicines visible: Store your medications in an easy-to-see spot, but out of reach of children and pets.
• Use reminders: Set alarms on your phone, use a pillbox, or download a medication reminder app.

How to manage your medication refills

Running out of medication can be stressful. Here's how to stay ahead of the game:

•  Choose a refill method: Explore your options—in-person, by phone, online, or by mail.
• Stick to one pharmacy: Using a single pharmacy allows them to keep track of all your medications and potential interactions.
• Set up automatic refills: Many pharmacies offer automatic refills, so you don't have to worry about running out.
• Check your medications before leaving the pharmacy: Make sure you have the correct medications and dosages before you leave.⁴

Traveling? Refill your prescriptions in advance and carry your medications in their original containers. Ask your doctor to refill the amount of medicine you’ll need while you’re away. Here are other things to consider if you’re planning to be away from home for a while.

• Ask about adjusting your schedule. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to tweak your medicine routine due to time zone changes and/or changes in your routine or diet.
• If you’re flying, carry your medicines with you. Don’t pack your medicines in your checked luggage; this may prevent you from accessing them when needed if your bag is lost or delayed. Keep each medication in the pharmacy-issued bottle(s)with your name and the medication name.
• Don’t forget to bring your medication list. Remember to take your medication list with the name of the medicine you’re taking. This will ensure you receive the correct care in the event you need to seek medical attention.

Get help paying for your prescriptions

Medication costs can be a burden, but there are ways to save money:

• Choose generic medications: Generic drugs are just as effective as brand-name drugs but cost significantly less.
• Bring your formulary to doctor's appointments: Ask your pharmacist about the formulary which is a list that shows which medications your insurance covers.
• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist: Ask if there are less expensive alternatives to your medications.
• Explore discount programs: Many pharmacies and drug manufacturers offer discount programs, and there are also state and federal programs that can help with medication costs.
• Ask for medicine samples: If you're starting a new medication, ask your doctor for samples to try before filling the prescription.⁵

By taking these steps, you can gain control of your medication routine, improve your health, and save money. Remember, your primary care doctor and pharmacist are valuable resources—don't hesitate to ask them questions.

Content contained on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new fitness or dietary plan. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement of any website or other sources. For any health-related questions, contact your healthcare provider.

• Neiman AB, Ruppar T, Ho M, et al., “CDC Grand Rounds: Improving Medication Adherence for Chronic Disease Management — Innovations and Opportunities,” MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2017;66, CDC, last accessed on March 17, 2025 https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/66/wr/mm6645a2.htm#suggestedcitation
• “Think It Through: Managing the Benefits and Risks of Medicines,” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, last accessed March 17, 2025, https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-consumers-and-patients-drugs/think-it-through-managing-benefits-and-risks-medicines
• “5 Medication Safety Tips for Older Adults,” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, last accessed March 17, 2025, https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-medication-safety-tips-older-adults
• Elora Hilmas, PharmD, BCPS, “Refilling a prescription,” The Nemours Foundation, last accessed March 17, 2025, https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/rx-refills.html
• William Blahd, MD, Amy Rushlow, “How to Save Money on Prescription Drugs,” WedMD, last accessed on March 17, 2025, http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/saving-money-on-your-prescription-drugs-good-and-bad-ideas?page=2