PATIENTS > Medication advice > Know what your medication looks like

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Paying attention to the appearance of your medications can help you make sure you are taking the correct amount of the proper medication. This point is especially true if you take multiple medications at different parts of the day.

Many oral chemotherapy medications come in different strengths, which means there is a different amount of the active ingredient in the tablet or capsule. Some people may need to take two different strengths at the same time, but taking the wrong tablets or capsules could cause either an overdose or underdose.

Different strengths of the same medication can differ in the following ways:

• Color
• Letters/numbers printed on the tablet/capsule
• Shape
• Size

Notice each tablet or capsule that you will take and be mindful of what you are doing. This step will ensure you are taking the right medication at the right time. This is important when your doctor changes your medication dose or schedule, which could happen time from time.

Information provided here does not constitute professional medical advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither Walgreen Co., its subsidiaries or affiliates, nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. If you have a medical question, consult your medical professional.