Sometimes you need to look for clues that could alert you to a mistake with your medicine.

Here are the top ten clues that could indicate you did not receive the correct medicine:

1. Looks different. The appearance (color, shape, markings on tablet) is different than expected and the pharmacist hasn't warned you about a switch in generic manufacturer.

2. Tastes or smells bad. The smell or taste is different than expected or extremely unpleasant.

3. Wrong dose. The amount of liquid in a syringe or bottle, or number of tablets that you must take (more than 2 or 3), is more or less than expected.

4. Wrong amount. The number of tablets in a prescription bottle is more or less than expected.

5. Wrong directions. The directions on the prescription bottle are different from what your doctor told you or included on the prescription.

6. Wrong drug name. The name of medicine on the prescription bottle is not what you expected, or the person's name on the label isn't correct (it is spelled wrong; the suffix, such as Jr. or Sr., is incorrect).

7. Wrong reason for taking the medicine. The reason for taking the medicine (on the prescription bottle, in a leaflet, or mentioned by the pharmacist) is different than the condition you are treating.

8. Wrong doctor. The doctor's name on the medicine label is not your doctor.

9. Symptoms getting worse. After taking the medicine for a few days, you are not feeling any better.

10. Unexpected or severe side effects. After taking a medicine, you have unexpected side effects, or the side effects you have are much stronger than expected. Also, after renewing a prescription, you just don't feel right and experience new side effects or begin to notice physical changes after taking a few doses, such as a change in urine color, unexpected weakness or drowsiness, breathing difficulties, heart racing, vision problems, etc.

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