Scientific advances in drug research and development have helped millions of people live longer, healthier lives. An estimated 83 million Americans take prescriptions regularly to fight high cholesterol, high blood pressure, allergies, arthritis, acid reflux, and any number of other ailments.

But medications cannot perform well if they are not taken as prescribed. When it comes to taking prescriptions, many people don't follow directions, or simply forget the advice their doctors have given them.

The result can be treatments that don't work for you, unexpected side effects, or worse. For medications to work to your best advantage there should be active communication between you, your doctor, and your pharmacist. The following tips may help you become a more involved patient.

• Share your story. Be sure your doctor(s) knows your complete health history, including any allergies and chronic illnesses. Have a list of any over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins you are taking added to your file.
• Know your medications. Before leaving your doctor's office, clinic or hospital with a new prescription, you should know the name of the medication, the dosage, why you're taking it, side effects, when and how you're supposed to use it, and for how long.
• Talk to your pharmacist. Your pharmacist is there to help you. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Some you might consider include: What if I forget to take my medicine? Should I avoid the sun? Will it make me sleepy? Must I take this with food?
• Choose a pharmacy that keeps a history of your medications on file. Buying your prescriptions at a pharmacy that knows your history means you are less likely to receive medications that do not work well with other drugs you are taking. Consider using the same pharmacy for all your prescription needs.
• Stay on top of your total drug intake. If you're taking a number of medications and your doctor wants to prescribe another, ask whether there are any that should be dropped. The more prescriptions you have, the more complex it is to manage your total prescription regimen.
• Save the drug information sheet. Most pharmacies provide a set of instructions about each prescription. This information takes only a few minutes to read, but could be very helpful in teaching you to take the drug in the most effective manner and alerting you to possible side effects.
• Follow directions. Take the drug exactly as prescribed to gain the benefit your doctor is aiming to achieve. This includes finishing the prescription completely — even if you start to feel better after a few doses.
• Never take someone else's drugs. When it comes to drugs, one size does not fit all. Every person is different and only your doctor can decide the right drug and dosage for you.
• Assume any new symptom you develop after starting a new drug may be caused by the drug. Call your doctor or pharmacist right away to report any unusual symptoms.
• Avoid waste. Follow the directions for the medication your doctor prescribes, but be aware of any medication that you already know you should not have. For example, if you are allergic to certain medications, make sure your doctor is aware so that he or she can prescribe something that will be safe for you to take.

Sources: Kaiser Family Foundation, Prescription Drug Trends: A Chartbook Update, March 2003; U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Safety Information for Patients and Healthcare Professionals, 2005