What should patients be told about their medications?

Patients have access to medication information from many sources, including other people, various forms of media, and their health care providers. This article describes three kinds of written information for patients about prescription medication as defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration-Patient Package Inserts, Medication Guides, and Consumer Medication Information-and then describes in more detail what patients should know about their medications. Physicians and nurses have the responsibility to talk to patients about their medication and to provide information that enhances, clarifies, rectifies, and complements whatever written information patients have. The information should be practical, understandable, unbiased, and scientifically accurate, but also tailored to the individual needs of the patient.