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How to read drug labels

• How to read a prescription drug label
• How to read an over-the-counter drug label
• More information on how to read drug labels

How to read a prescription drug label

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How to read an over-the-counter drug label

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More information on how to read drug labels

Explore other publications and websites

• Drug Interactions: What You Should Know — This fact sheet explains how drugs interact with other drugs. It gives a brief overview of common drug interactions and discusses the importance of talking with your doctor about any medications you are using.
  http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/ucm163354.htm
• Medicines and You: A Guide for Older Adults — This booklet provides a guide for older Americans on how to keep track of and safely use prescription and over-the-counter medications.
  http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/ucm163959.htm
• The New Over-the-Counter Medicine Label: Take a Look — This fact sheet is a guide for how to read the Drug Facts label for over-the-counter medicines. It explains what is on the label, what it means, and where you can find it.
  http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/EmergencyPreparedness/BioterrorismandDrugPreparedness/ucm133411.htm
• Safe Use of Medicines — This booklet discusses practical tips to make sure you are using all your medicines correctly. This booklet also provides examples of other older adults practicing medicine safety.
  http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/SafeUseMeds/default.htm
• Taking Medicines — This publication provides information on medicines and your body. It provides information on how to use medicines safely, how to test medicines, and the medicines in the future that may improve one's health.
  http://nihseniorhealth.gov/takingmedicines/toc.html

Connect with other organizations

• National Institute on Aging, NIH, HHS
  http://www.nia.nih.gov/
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration
  http://www.fda.gov/

Content last updated August 12, 2010.

Resources last updated August 12, 2010.

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