How to Read Your Prescriptions

The label on the prescription bottles serves as a quick guide about your medication. The appearance and requirements for prescription labels may vary by state, but according to federal law, all prescription labels have the following:

• Patient Name: may include date of birth and patient's address

• Prescription Number: A serial number that identifies the prescription in the pharmacy's computer system

• Medication: The drug name, strength, dosage form, and quantity

• Directions: Information about how to take your medication

• Pharmacy: The pharmacy name, address, and phone number. Usually at the top of the label

• Prescriber Name: The name of the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication

• Dates: The original refill date and the expiration date of the medication. The expiration is usually one year from the fill date. Any remaining refills expire when the medication expires.

• Refills: Number of refills available for the prescription

Most pharmacies now offer options for improved accessibility, such as large print, language translation, braille, and digital applications that can read prescription label instructions.

It is important to correctly take your prescribed medication. Ask your provider if you have any questions about how to take your medications or what your medications are for.

Below are files you can download that can help you keep track of your medications and read your prescription labels.