Reading a prescription label

• 1). Consult your physician or pharmacist after receiving your prescription. Have him explain to you the proper way to take your medicine, refill procedures and the potential side effects. Ask for help if you have immediate trouble reading any information on the prescription label.
  
  
• 2). Locate the pharmacy location and phone number. This is usually located at the very top or very bottom of the label.
  
  
• 3). Look for your doctor's name. The prescribing doctor should be listed on the label.
  
  
• 4). Locate the prescription number, which is generally labeled the Rx number or abbreviated "No." The Rx number is often needed for processing refills, especially if you choose to do so over the phone. Make sure that your correct name is on the label.
  
  
• 5). Identify the largest text on the label. The largest text should be the drug name and dose (for example, Bupropion 100mg), and the directions for taking the drug (i.e., take 1 tablet by mouth twice a day). Some doctors will write a prescription for the generic form of the drug. If so, the generic and common drug name will usually both be on the label.
  
  
• 6). Locate the quantity of the drug listed on the label, along with the number of refills and expiration date. The expiration date is the amount of time you have to refill your medication. Refilling your prescriptions after this date will require another prescription from your doctor.