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- You can learn more about your medicine by looking up what it is for, how to take it, possible side effects, and any warnings. You can find this information in the Healthwise® Knowledgebase or by using the drug formulary search.
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For pharmacy or medical questions, contact your nearest Kaiser Permanente pharmacy. For Mail Order Pharmacy questions, contact: 206-630-7979.
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Our pharmacists use a drug interaction database to identify and review all potential drug interactions. We will notify your physician of any significant interactions.
It is important that you tell us about all of the medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements, and herbals. That way we can be sure to identify all potential drug interactions when you receive a new prescription. You will be notified by phone if the process of resolving a drug interaction causes a significant delay in filling your prescription.
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If the reaction seems serious, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For other reactions, call the number on your prescription bottle.
- If your medication looks different and there is no note on the bottle, check for a sticker on it that explains the change. If there isn't a sticker, call the number on your prescription bottle. Do not take the medication unless you find a sticker explaining the change or you verify it with a pharmacist.
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
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Your prescription label shows the expiration date, listed by month and year. The medication is good through the end of that month.
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Always keep prescriptions in the bottle or package they came in. The label has important information, such as the medicine name, dose, and expiration date.
A bathroom cabinet is not the best place for medications. Heat and moisture can make medicines less effective.
Follow the storage instructions on the label. Some medicines need special care, such as refrigeration or protection from light. Always read the label or pharmacy instructions. If you are not sure how to store a medicine, ask your pharmacist.
After each use, close child‑resistant caps tightly. Store medications out of reach and out of sight of children and pets. A locked cabinet, drawer, or box is best.
Every few months, look through your medicines. Throw away anything that is expired or no longer needed. Expired medicine may not work the right way or may not be safe to take.
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You can discard unwanted and expired medications at Kaiser Permanente-owned pharmacies in the Seattle area. The medications will be incinerated so they don't end up in waterways and landfills. See Medication disposal program to find Seattle-area locations and where to take unwanted medications in other areas.
- Yes. Cubic centimeters (cc) and milliliters (ml) mean the same thing. For example, 5 cc is the same as 5 ml.
- One teaspoon is equal to 5 ml. One tablespoon is equal to 15 ml. Use a measuring spoons, not household silverware to measure these quantities, as the volumes of household spoons can vary widely.
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It's important to take all antibiotics as prescribed so the infection doesn't return or become harder to treat.
- Colds are caused by viruses, and antibiotics don't treat viruses. Rest, fluids, and symptom relief usually help.
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A formulary is a list of medications covered by your health plan. Your formulary includes both brand-name and generic drugs. Doctors regularly review this list to make sure medications are safe, effective, and affordable.
The list shows which drugs the plan will pay for and how much you may have to pay. Many formularies encourage using safe, effective, and lower‑cost medicines, such as generic drugs.
To see our list of covered drugs, visit our Drug formulary page.
- Some medications that are advertised may not be covered because they aren't on the drug formulary list of medications that Kaiser Permanente agrees to cover. Your doctor can help you choose an approved drug option.
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When a company identifies a drug in the laboratory, that company is granted a patent on the drug for a period of 20 years. During the life of the patent, no other manufacturer is allowed to produce or sell the same drug product without the patent-holder's approval, thus eliminating direct price competition. Patent protection allows the original drug company to recoup the money it spent research and marketing, and to make a profit.
After the patent expires, other pharmaceutical manufacturers may develop, test, and market the same drug. These identical products contain exact quantities of the same active ingredient in the same dosage form as the innovator's product. Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington has significantly reduced total drug expenditures without compromising quality by using these "generic" drugs. This strategy has resulted in savings to you in the form of lower rates and prescription prices.
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Over‑the‑counter medications are not covered by health plan benefits.
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One copay covers up to a 30‑day supply. Supplies longer than 30 days require another copay.
- You pay one copay for a prescription that lasts up to 30 days, even if it has fewer pills. If the prescription cost is less than your copay, you pay the lower amount.
- If your doctor changes your prescription, it becomes a new prescription, which may require another copay.
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Pharmacy hours
Pharmacy hours vary by location. Be sure to check pharmacy hours at your clinic.