Why does my MEDICATION look different?

It is very important for you to take the time to learn and memorize  the names of the medicines (medications) that you take. 

Medication plays an essential and therapeutic role in managing disease, but they can also be harmful if taken incorrectly with other medications, vitamins or herbal supplements. 

Did you know that Advil, Motrin, and ibuprofen are all the same medicine? 

Advil and Motrin are brand names for the generic medicine ibuprofen. 

It is very important to know both the generic and the brand names of your medications. 

GENERIC NAMES  are sometimes a shorthand version of the drug’s chemical name, structure, or formula. Generic names are usually more complicated and harder to remember.

*Generic = (official) name *

BRAND NAMES are usually catchy, often related to the drug’s intended use, and relatively easy to remember.

*Brand names = (proprietary, trademark, or trade) name*

The generic name will always be the same, even if your medicine has several different brand names. This information will prevent you from taking too much of the same medicine, which can lead to an overdose.

Ideally, these are the information you need to provide medical providers about your MEDICATION. 

Generic medications are manufactured by many different companies. One medication may be available in multiple different colors, shapes, and sizes.

Do not depend on color or shape to differentiate your medications. 

 "the round & white tablet is my Amlodipine" or "the yellow pill is my Lisinopril". 

Pharmacies may change manufacturers of generic products from time to time. The same generic drug, made by a different manufacturer, can look different in color, shape or size. 

The result is that you might receive different looking pills from month to month, even though it is for the same generic medication. 

Always remember to have a list of the names of your medicine, why you take them, how much you take, and how often you take them.