Before you use any medicine

Before you use any medicine, your health care professional should be told the following things:
 

• If you have ever had an allergic or unusual reaction to any medicine, food, or other substance, such as yellow dye or sulfites. 
• If you are on a low-salt, low-sugar, or any other special diet. Most medicines contain more than their active ingredient, and many liquid medicines contain alcohol. 
• If you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. Certain medicines may cause birth defects or other problems in the unborn child. For other medicines, safe use during pregnancy has not been established. The use of any medicine during pregnancy must be carefully considered and should be discussed with a health care professional. 
• If you are breastfeeding. Some medicines may pass into the breast milk and cause unwanted effects in the baby. 
• If you are now taking or have taken any medicines or dietary supplements in the recent past. Do not forget over-the-counter (non-prescription) medicines such as pain relievers, laxatives, and antacids or dietary supplements. 
• If you have any medical problems other than the one(s) for which your medicine was prescribed.
• If you have difficulty remembering things or reading labels.

(Health24)