Did you know that about two-thirds of Americans are on some sort of medication? 32 million take at least three prescription drugs daily, and 1 in 6 patients who take prescription medications also take herbal medications. I think most of us know that the first issue here is overmedication. I remember as a very depressed teen being given a prescription on my first visit to the school-recommended shrink! Come on—looking back I can tell you right now all I needed was a little more sleep, a little less responsibility and definitely fewer school activities. I know there are plenty of other “over-achievers” who could have used the same.

That said, the people who really do need medications to control their conditions, prevent pregnancy, or for other reasons should be able to have access to safe, effective drugs. Since we’re finally being told flat-out just how bad Tylenol is for us—and how many people have never taken Tylenol? I remember chain-popping it during a time I didn’t have dental insurance and had a bad recurring toothache—it’s probably safe to say that a lot of the drugs we’re on as a country just aren’t safe.

While we can’t spend every moment of our days worried about these drugs—after all, worrying doesn’t accomplish a thing—we can be aware of the problem and keep our eyes open to it. If you or a loved one is prescribed a medication—or even seeking one out that’s over the counter—there are several things you can do to try to protect yourselves:

Check the drug on the FDA Recalls list. You can sign up to be alerted of recalls and updates for free as well as search for specific drugs. You can also view all of the most recent recalls by date.

Don’t rely just on the FDA. They’ve definitely allowed products to be placed on the market that still have plenty of averse effects; you only need to hear the latest prescription drug commercial to know about the “blood clots/liver damage/anal leakage/death” that can result from taking this drug!

Ask your doctor about the drug. Be sure to ask about side effects, possible reactions with anything you do—including ANY other drugs, prescription or non-prescription, as well as herbs, vitamins, alcohol, the works—and anything you can expect while taking it. Did you know that some drugs can even be affected by certain foods? Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion, either.

Read prescription labels and the drug literature that accompanies medications. I know this can be cumbersome—they’re often novella-sized—but it can also be life-saving. Pay special attention to what drugs NOT to take along with the drug you have. Many birth controls, for example, are affected by other drugs.

Do a little research. If you’re still worried about a drug, do some research into it. See if there are any news reports about its effects, or if anyone has been harmed from it. See if there are alternatives if it seems to dangerous; this is your health and you do have a say in it.