(CNN) - Prescription medicines can help us live longer and lead healthier lives. But taking medication incorrectly can be dangerous.
Before you start taking any new prescription medicine, there are a few things you should talk over with your doctor.
Make sure you've told your physician about any allergies you have and any problems you've had previously with medication.
Ask how many times a day the medicine should be taken and at what intervals.
For example, the dosing information might say the medication should be taken four times a day. Find out whether that means four times in 24 hours as opposed to four times during the daylight.
Ask whether the medicine should be taken with food and whether there are foods or beverages to avoid when taking it.
Ask whether the medicine will interact negatively with other medications and cause problems, make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows all the medications you're taking.
Ask what "as needed" means and find out when you should stop taking the medicine.
Ask what you should do if you forget a dose.
And finally, ask what side-effects can be expected and what to do if there is a problem.
Make note of the answers you get and write down any special instructions you're given.
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