Staying Healthy
Decoding medication instructions
Here's a little insight about the generic directions that often accompany prescriptions.
- Reviewed by Anthony L. Komaroff, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Health Letter
The doctor prescribed your new medication, and you picked it up promptly. Now comes the job of taking the drug, which can be tough if directions are vague or confusing. Here are some common instructions that can trip people up, and what they really mean.
Take as needed
"Take as needed" allows you the flexibility to determine when you need the medicine for symptom relief. But the instructions require additional guidance.
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About the Author
Heidi Godman, Executive Editor, Harvard Health Letter
About the Reviewer
Anthony L. Komaroff, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Health Letter
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