What Is a Prescription?

A prescription is written or electronic instruction from your doctor. It tells you:

• What medicine to take
• How much to take
• How often do you take it
• For how long
• How to take it (for example, with food, in the morning, or at night)

Following these instructions is a key part of your treatment. Not following them can make your medicine less effective.

Understanding the Prescription Details

• Drug Name: Always check that the medicine you receive from the pharmacy matches what your doctor wrote.
• Dose: How much you should take at one time (e.g., 500 mg, 1 tablet).
• Frequency: How many times a day should you take it (e.g., morning and night).
• Duration: How long you should take the medicine (e.g., 7 days, 1 month).
• Route: How you should take it (e.g., by mouth, as a cream, by injection).

Never stop taking your medicine early just because you feel better and always follow the instructions exactly.

The Dos: What You Should Do

• Ask Questions: If you don’t understand, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Good questions include:
  • What is this medicine for?
  • What side effects might I have?
  • Are there foods or other medicines I should avoid?
  • What should I do if I miss a dose?
• Take the Right Dose at the Right Time: Set reminders or ask family to help.
• Finish Your Medicine: Especially for antibiotics, finish the full course even if you feel better.
• Keep a List: Write down all your medicines in a notebook or on your phone.
• Store Medicines Safely: Keep them away from sunlight, in a cool place, and out of reach for children.

The Don’ts: What to Avoid

• Don’t Change the Dose Yourself: Only adjust your medicine if your doctor tells you.
• Don’t Share Medicines: Even if someone has similar symptoms, their condition may be different.
• Don’t Mix with Alcohol: Unless your doctor says it’s safe.
• Don’t Stop Suddenly: Always check with your doctor before stopping.
• Don’t Take Expired Medicines: They may not work or could be harmful.

When to Go Back to the Hospital or Call Your Doctor

Seek help if you:

• Have a severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling, trouble breathing)
• Notice unexpected side effects
• Don’t get better after the expected time
• Are confused about the instructions

Tips for African Patients

• Ask for Clear Instructions: If you don’t understand, ask the pharmacist to explain in your local language or write it down clearly.
• Use Reminders: Set alarms on your phone or use a notebook to track doses.
• Bring a Family Member: If you have trouble remembering, bring someone to help.
• Community Support: Community health workers can help families keep track of medicines and schedules.

Research in Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya shows that clear instructions, using local languages, and community support all help patients use medicines safely and correctly.