The following information is commonly provided on a prescription but may vary from country to country:

• Your full name and address
• Doctor’s full name, address and telephone number
• Date the prescription was issued
• Doctor’s signature
• Doctor’s identification / registration number (unique number given to all doctors)
• Medicine name, dose, dosage form and amount
• Directions for use
• Refill or repeat prescription instructions

Doctors often use shortened instruction when issuing a prescription. It is important that you ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any medical terms or abbreviations you do not understand.

Examples of commonly used medical abbreviations