Medicines are drugs that are legal to take. Doctors have studied for a lot of years to learn how medicines can help us when we are sick. Prescriptions are medicines that doctors tell people to take.

Prescriptions are good for you as long as you take them in the right way. Here are some things to remember about prescriptions:

• Only take prescriptions that the doctor told you to take.
• Do not take someone else’s prescription.
• Take exactly the amount the doctor tells you to take.
• Take prescriptions for exactly as long as the doctor tells you to take them.
• Do not give your prescriptions to anyone else.
• When you take over-the-counter medicine (like cough syrup and aspirin), take it exactly as the directions say.

If you know someone who you think is using prescription drugs in the wrong way, please tell a responsible adult. Anyone who misuses prescription drugs or who takes any other drug needs your help!

Pictures used with permission from http://www.drugfree.org/Portal/drug_guide/Prescription_Pain_Relievers or drawn by group members.