A prescription is a medical order written by your health care provider for a certain medication. Below is an example of a prescription for a medication and an explanation of everything written on the prescription.

1.      The doctor's name and/or name of practice

2.      The doctor's address and telephone number

3.      Patient name

4.      Date that prescription was written

5.      Patient's address

6.      Age

7.      Drug name and strength

8.      Amount of drug to give

9.      Direction to the patient on how often to take the drug, and for how long over a course of days

10.  Dispense as written (DAW) box when checked off on a prescription means that a pharmacist can not substitute generic brand if the doctor asks for a brand name drug.

The pharmacist however, has the right to substitute brand name drug to an affordable generic brand when the DAW column is not checked.

11.  Is the number of refills allowed on a prescription. This will also appear on the prescription bottle.  Please check with the pharmacist if you are in doubt about your refills.

12.  Doctor's name and signature

Most of the information on your prescription will also be on the medication label when your pharmacist gives you your medicine. Make sure you read and understand all this information before you leave your pharmacy!