2.      Measuring wrong. Do not use kitchen utensils, like teaspoons or tablespoons, to measure liquid medications. Use the provided dosing cap, syringe, or dropper. Otherwise, your dose could be way off, says Dr. Kamhi.  

3.      Skipping the fine print. A study revealed that 54 percent of people do not read side effect warnings on drug labels. If you don’t want to read the fine print, ask your doctor or pharmacist about a drug’s side effects before you take it. Pay special attention to the warning label and the information booklet that accompanies most prescription drugs.

4.      Ignoring drug interaction warnings. To prescribe the right medication at the right dosage, your doctor must know all medications and supplements you are taking. The more drugs you take, the greater your risk of adverse drug reactions. Be aware that certain medications interact with foods, alcohol, and other beverages, so ask your doctor when and how to take them, and double-check with your pharmacist to make sure they are compatible.

5.      Stopping medications mid-course. Certain medications, like antibiotics, may not be effective unless you finish the entire treatment. Others may cause serious side effects if you stop taking them abruptly. For example, a missed dose of glaucoma medication can result in optic nerve damage or blindness.

6.      Taking prescriptions blindly. Double-check your prescriptions. Doctors are only human and they make mistakes. Make sure the prescription matches the medication you are given at the pharmacy. This is crucial. If you notice any discrepancies, call your doctor immediately.