Understand Your Prescriptions
When the doctor writes a prescription, it is important that you can read and understand the directions for taking the medication.
If you have questions about your prescription or how you should take the medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. If you do not understand the directions, make sure you ask someone to explain them. It is important to take the medicine as directed by your doctor.
Common Abbreviations for Prescriptions
Doctors and pharmacists often use abbreviations or terms that may not be familiar. Here is an explanation of some of the most common abbreviations you will see on the labels of your prescription medications.
Abbreviation Explanation
A Note About Prescription Pain Medicine
Never take more opioid medicine than the doctor prescribes. By doing so, you risk becoming addicted. Anyone can become addicted to pain medicine. Read more about opioids and prescription pain medicines in Pain: You Can Get Help at www. nia. nih. gov / health / pain-you-can-get-help. You can learn more about using medicines safely from the National Institute on Drug Abuse at www. drugabuse. gov.
Worksheet 5: Medications, on page 47 of this booklet can help. p. r. n. q. d. b. i. d. t. i. d. q. i. d. a. c. p. c. h. s. p. o. ea. as needed every day twice a day three times a day four times a day before meals after meals at bedtime by mouth each
Summary
Getting Information
• Learn about medical tests.
• Discuss your diagnosis and what you can expect.
• Find out about your medications.
• Understand how to take your prescriptions.
Talking With Your Doctor 15