If you want a drug to do its job, it is important to do yours. Not doing your job results in poorer health, more doctor visits and hospitalizations, and unnecessary deaths. 

Your job is to:

• Take drugs as directed.
• Learn how to take drugs if  you have difficulty swallowing or keeping to schedule.
• Learn what to do if you miss a dose or travel through different time zones.
• Know what to do if an insurer or pharmacy benefits manager switches your drugs.
• Monitor the effect of a drug on your body.
• Store drugs appropriately.
• Refill drugs on time. Make sure the drug you receive looks like the one you are refilling. If it doesn't ask why.
• Do a periodic drug check up to be sure you still need the drugs you are taking (both the drug itself and the dosage). 
• Keep track of the expiration date of each of your drugs. Check potency and potential harmfulness of drugs beyond the stated expiration date.
• Be alert for drug recalls. Visit www.Recalls.gov frequently.
• Dispose of unused drugs appropriately.
• If you have difficulty sticking with your drug regimen, contact your doctor or his or her nurse by telephone or e-mail or your next appointment if it is very soon. (Don't wait for your doctor to ask. Doctors generally assume patients take drugs as prescribed).  The doctor may have suggestions, or be able to change the drug to one that is easier for you to take.

It is advisable to keep a List of Medications with you at all times in case there's a medical emergency. Also, check the List periodically with a health care professional. (Survivorship A to Z provides a form List. See "To Learn More.")

NOTE:

• Don't be surprised if you experience mild side effects you're warned may accompany a drug. Patients who are forewarned about possible side effects are more likely to have them. This generally occurs with mild symptoms such as headaches, drowsiness and dizziness, rather than rare, serious side effects.Doctors call this the "nocebo" effect (the reverse of the placebo effect where healing occurs when an inert substance is given without the patient's knowledge instead of a drug).  
• Learn tips about compliance -- taking drugs over time on schedule. See the document in "To Learn More."

Drugs do not work in a vacuum. Do your best to maximize the setting in which they work. Pay attention to your diet and exercise. Reduce stress where ever possible. Get appropriate sleep.

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