How Much Do You Know About Prescriptions?

Prescription medicines can work wonders—when they are taken as they should be. But what happens when you miss a dose? Or when you want to take an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine along with your prescription? See if you know the answers to these and other questions by taking this quiz.

1. How are prescription medicines different from over-the-counter medicines?

A. They need medical supervisionB. They have more active ingredientsC. They may have a higher risk for abuse and dependenceD. All of the above

2. Which government agency decides if a medicine is prescription or nonprescription?

A. FDAB. CDCC. U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesD. National Institutes of Health

3. Before taking a prescription medicine, you should know which of the following?

A. How much to takeB. When to take itC. Which side effects to expectD. All of the above

4. What should you do if you miss a dose of a prescription medicine?

A. Take the missed dose right awayB. Skip the dose and get back on scheduleC. Take 2 doses the next timeD. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what to do

5. How much liquid should you take with a pill or tablet?

A. Several sipsB. 2 ouncesC. 4 ouncesD. 8 ounces or more

6. Which of these things affects how a prescription medicine acts in your body?

A. Your ageB. Your weightC. Other medicines you are takingD. All of the above

7. Prescription medicines can interact with which of these?

A. Nonprescription medicines B. Vitamins,minerals, and herbal remedies C. Alcohol D. All of the above

8. How does aging affect the way your body reacts to medicines?

A. Medicines aren't used by your body as well B. Kidneys take longer to rid your body of medicines C. Medicine stays in your body longer D. All of the above

9. What should you do if you have unpleasant side effects while taking a prescription medicine?

A. Stop taking the medicineB. Call your healthcare providerC. Take a smaller doseD. Go to a hospital emergency room