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​UPMC Pharmacies offers on-site retail pharmacy services at many UPMC facilities. We can even provide free delivery to UPMC outpatient clinics.

And in a perfect world, taking your medications should be easy: fill the prescription, take the medication, and repeat daily.

But we all know that life happens, and good intentions can only go so far. Are you making any of these common medication mistakes?

1. Sharing Your Medications

Let’s say a friend or family member comes down with what seems like the same condition you have. Sharing your medication might seem OK, but doctors and pharmacists say not to do that.

Without seeing a doctor, there’s no way to know if your loved one has the same condition. Even if they do, they might need a different dose or even another medication.

People often share their antibiotics or their prescription painkillers if they have “extra” pills. Here’s why sharing is a bad idea:

• If you stop taking your antibiotics before you use the entire supply, you might suppress — not cure — your infection. That means your infection could linger well past the day you should have taken your last dose.
• If your loved one is in so much pain that taking a prescription painkiller appeals to them, they should seek medical attention.

2. Forgetting to Take Your Medicine on Schedule

If you take multiple medications, find a dispensing system that works for you and stick with it.

Some people use a weekly pill case marked with each day of the week. That makes it easy to see if you’ve taken each day’s dose. You can find containers with one, two, or four daily compartments to fill as needed.

Other people prefer to dispense their medication from the bottle each time they take it. Storing the bottles upside down can give you an easy visual reminder. After you take that dose, turn the bottle right side up again to cue you to take the next dose.

Another option is to ask the pharmacy to package each daily dose in a presorted blister pack or pouch. You will receive one pouch for each dose of all your medications, including any vitamins or supplements.

3. Not Telling Your Doctor About OTC Medicines

Your doctor and pharmacist need to know all the medications you take. This includes over-the-counter items like:

• Allergy medications
• Antacids
• Pain relievers
• Supplements
• Vitamins

That’s because these items can sometimes interact with your prescribed medications. Your doctor and pharmacist will stay on the lookout for possible drug interactions.

4. Overlooking Your Pharmacist’s Expertise

Your pharmacist is an expert in how medications interact and how they affect the human body. Don’t hesitate to use them as a resource if you have questions about how to take your medications.

Your doctor and pharmacist will review your complete medication list periodically. This typically happens when your doctor prescribes a new medication and your pharmacist fills it. But you can ask them for a full medication review at any time.

Your pharmacist may also let you know about ways to limit the impact of any of your medications. For example, some medicines are available in extended-release or coated forms that you may tolerate better.

They can also answer common questions like: What should I do if I miss a dose of my medicine?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue your regular schedule. If you’re closer to the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your standard time. But your pharmacist can answer based on the specific medication.

5. Taking Maintenance Drugs Incorrectly

Just because you’ve taken a medication for years doesn’t guarantee that you take it correctly. Double-check your process for taking these common medications that are prone to causing medication errors:

Acid-reducing medications and antacids

Doctors use proton pump inhibitors like pantoprazole to treat damage from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus. Over-the-counter remedies like antacid tablets and omeprazole can also help reflux. Always read labels carefully because instructions may vary.

Insulin

According to the American Diabetes Association, insulin is available in many formulations. Each one begins to work and peaks at different times, so you should always follow instructions carefully. Types of insulin include:

• Rapid-acting insulin.
• Regular or short-acting insulin.
• Intermediate-acting insulin.
• Long-acting insulin.
• Ultra-long-acting insulin.

Contact your pharmacist, doctor, or diabetes educator with any questions about how to take your insulin.

Levothyroxine/replacement thyroid hormone

When people’s bodies stop producing enough thyroid hormone, doctors prescribe levothyroxine as a replacement.

The best way to take levothyroxine is first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Don’t eat breakfast until 30 minutes to one hour has passed after taking it. Swallow the pill with a full glass of water to prevent it from sticking in your throat.

6. Not Refilling Prescriptions Promptly

Supply chain conditions have improved since the COVID-19 public health emergency, but many areas still have shortages of common drugs.

That makes planning ahead when ordering prescription refills essential. If your pharmacy needs more time to fill your order, add at least an extra week.

7. Sourcing Prescriptions from Too Many Pharmacies

Wanting to limit your out-of-pocket medication expenses as much as you can is normal. Many people shop around to find lower prices on their specific medicines.

However, one possible problem with this approach can occur if not every pharmacy you use can access your entire medication list. Your pharmacist needs access to your records to check for potential drug interactions.

Make sure you ask your pharmacist for help reducing your out-of-pocket medication expenses. They may share manufacturer coupons or other money-saving strategies.