URMC / Encyclopedia / Content Search Encyclopedia How Much Do You Know About Prescriptions? Prescription medicines can work wonders—when they are taken as they should be. But what happens when you miss a dose? Or when you want to take an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine along with your prescription? See if you know the answers to these and other questions by taking this quiz. 1. How are prescription medicines different from over-the-counter medicines? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Prescription medicines and OTC medicines should both be treated with respect. Take both types as directed. A. They need medical supervisionB. They have more active ingredientsC. They may have a higher risk for abuse and dependenceD. All of the above 2. Which government agency decides if a medicine is prescription or nonprescription? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The FDA oversees both prescription and OTC medicines, both brand-named products and generic forms. A. FDAB. CDCC. U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesD. National Institutes of Health 3. Before taking a prescription medicine, you should know which of the following? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is You should also understand why you need to take the medicine and how long you will need to use it. And you should know if you need to stay away from certain foods, drinks, or other medicines. Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have questions about your medicines. A. How much to takeB. When to take itC. Which side effects to expectD. All of the above 4. What should you do if you miss a dose of a prescription medicine? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Different medicines call for different responses. A. Take the missed dose right awayB. Skip the dose and get back on scheduleC. Take 2 doses the next timeD. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what to do 5. How much liquid should you take with a pill or tablet? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Drinking a full glass of water after swallowing a pill lowers the risk of damaging your stomach or esophagus. A. Several sipsB. 2 ouncesC. 4 ouncesD. 8 ounces or more 6. Which of these things affects how a prescription medicine acts in your body? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Additional factors include stress, diet, and other health conditions you may have. A. Your ageB. Your weightC. Other medicines you are takingD. All of the above 7. Prescription medicines can interact with which of these? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about possible interactions before taking any of these substances with a prescription medicine. A. Nonprescription medicinesB. Vitamins, minerals, and herbal remediesC. AlcoholD. All of the above 8. How does aging affect the way your body reacts to medicines? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is At each healthcare provider's appointment, bring a list of all medicines you take so that your provider can double-check the types and dosages. A. Medicines aren't used by your body as effectivelyB. Kidneys take longer to rid your body of medicinesC. Medicine stays in your body longerD. All of the above 9. What should you do if you have unpleasant side effects while taking a prescription medicine? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is If you are having a serious allergic reaction to a medicine, such as trouble breathing, call 911 or go to an emergency room. A. Stop taking the medicineB. Call your healthcare providerC. Take a smaller doseD. Go to a hospital emergency room Your score was: Medical Reviewers: Fraser, Marianne, MSN, RN Sather, Rita, RN Wojcik, Stacey, MBA, BSN