Medication ABCs (13)
Understanding how medications work may help you better manage your health condition. This information answers the basic questions about drug dosages, side effects, interactions between drugs and foods, and dealing with drug allergies and overdoses. Learn about generic drugs and the mystery of those abbreviations on a prescription.

How to Use Your Medications (8)
Most medications are taken by mouth but many are given as drops, ointments, skin patches, self injections, suppositories, and with an inhaler. Learn, step-by-step, how to use your medications and to make sure all your drugs are being properly stored.

Health Conditions and Drugs (9)
Most common chronic illnesses are treated with a combination of drugs and lifestyle changes. Learn about the medications that you can use to help you manage your condition, including new drugs and those currently being tested.

FAQs About Your Drugs (9)
If you need more information about your medication or are concerned about something you read in the newspaper or heard about on TV, the answers to commonly asked questions about specific drugs may be helpful.

Over-the-Counter Drugs (5)
Over-the counter (OTC) drugs can be purchased without a prescription and are commonly used to treat symptoms of common illnesses that may not require the direct supervision of a physician. With thousands of OTC drugs available, learn how to safely choose the appropriate one for your condition and how to save money on your purchase.

What to Ask Your Provider (9)
It’s very important that you be an active partner in your healthcare. Find out what your doctor expects from you and the questions you need to ask your doctor and pharmacist to make sure you understand your medications. And, learn about the drug information resources available on the Internet and in your library.

Cost of Drugs (5)
Drugs, especially brand-name prescription medications, can be very expensive and may strain your budget if you have a chronic illness. Learn about cost saving tips, where to find free or low-cost drugs, and how to safely buy medications on the Internet and from foreign countries.

Health Insurance (7)
Some health plans include coverage for prescription medications and it’s important that you understand your health plan’s formulary and what drug benefits you have. If you are over 65, learn about Medicare Part D, including how to choose a drug plan and how to deal with the dreaded coverage gap.

Age/Race/Gender and Drugs (6)
Age, race, ethnic background, and gender can all have an effect on how your body reacts to medications. It’s important that you understand these differences and discuss them with your physician. Learn about medication use during pregnancy and breastfeeding as well as the special needs of children. And, find out how your cultural heritage can influence your attitudes about medication use.

Medication Safety (5)
Drug errors are a common cause of hospitalization and deaths that can be prevented by understanding the safe use of medications. Learn how to prevent medication mistakes at home, in your doctor’s office, at the pharmacy and in the hospital.

The FDA (8)
The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for the safety and effectiveness of medications, including new prescription drugs, generic drugs and over-the-counter drugs. Find out how new drugs are tested in clinical trials and how they are approved by the FDA. Learn how to use the FDA’s website to get safety information about your medications.

Alternative Medicines (5)
Alternative and complementary medications are widely used in addition to or as a replacement for conventional drugs. Learn about commonly used supplements and the questions you need to ask your doctor and pharmacist about the safety and value of these products.

Drug Dependency (6)
Some people become dependent on or addicted to their medications, especially drugs that are used to treat chronic pain or long-standing sleep problems. Find out how to work with your physician to help you manage a drug dependency. Learn about substance abuse and the medications your physician may recommend to help you quit smoking or control alcoholism.

Medication Glossary (35)
Be an informed consumer. Learn the meaning of words and phrases related to the use of medications. Be able to understand some of the jargon your healthcare providers use when talking about medications.