How to Read a Prescription Bottle

After you receive a new prescription, the first thing you should do is check the label to make sure you are taking the medicine as intended. Prescription labels contain a lot of useful information. Depending on what pharmacy you use, the label may look slightly different, but most prescription labels list the same information. Use the diagram below to help familiarize yourself with the information typically found on a prescription bottle.

The Following Is Typically Listed on a Prescription Label:

Patient name: Who the medication is for.
Medication name: The brand name or generic name.
Medication strength: How strong each tablet or pill is.
Medication quantity: How many tablets or pills the bottle contains.
Refills remaining: How many times the bottle can be refilled before a new prescription is needed.
Instructions for use: How to properly take the medication.
Prescription number (Rx#): A unique number listed on the prescription bottle to identify the medication and refill the prescription.
Pharmacy information: The pharmacy name, address and phone number.
Prescriber name: The doctor or healthcare provider who prescribed the medication.
Expiration date: The date the medication expires. You should not use the medication after the use by date listed on the prescription label.

If you have additional questions, ask your doctor or the pharmacist for assistance. They can help you with reading the label and explaining any important information related to the medication you are prescribed. Always check to make sure you know the dosage and are following the instructions for use. While it may be tempting to stop using a medication once your symptoms improve, it is important to continue taking your medication as prescribed until your healthcare provider tells you otherwise. Never use medication that is expired and always properly dispose of any leftover medication. For more information on proper disposal of medication, check out the article Responsible Prescription Drug Use.