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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
for Patients

Medication

health care worker providing a bottle of medication

A medication (medicine, meds, pharmaceutical drug) is a drug used to prevent, treat, diagnose, or cure disease. Medications can either be prescription (prescribed by a doctor) or bought over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription.

It is important to take your medications following your health care provider's direction. If you experience any side effects or have any concerns, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Watch Talking to Your Doctor About Your Medications Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov , a short IHS video on encouraging patients to talk to their healthcare providers about any concerns or possible side effects of their medications.

Other Resources

Buying and Using Medicine Safely Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  – Food and Drug Administration

Healthy Living: Use Medicines Safely Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  – Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Medicines Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  – MedlinePlus, from the National Library of Medicine, NIH