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Taking medicines - what to ask your doctor

Medications - taking

 

Take Charge of Your Health

Many people take medicines every day. You might need to take medicine for an infection or to treat a chronic (long-term) illness.

Take charge of your health. Ask your health care providers questions and learn about the medicine you take.

Know what medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take.

  • Make a list of your medicines to keep in your wallet.
  • Take time to understand the purpose of your medicine.
  • Ask your provider questions when you do not know the meaning of medical words, or when instructions aren't clear. And write down the answers to your questions.
  • Bring a family member or friend to the pharmacy or to your doctor's visits to help you remember or write down the information you are given.

Get Information About Your new Medicine

 

When your doctor prescribes a medicine, find out about it. Ask questions, such as:

  • What is the name of the medicine?
  • Why am I taking this medicine?
  • What is the name of the condition this medicine will treat?
  • How long will it take to work?
  • How should I store the medicine? Does it need to be refrigerated?
  • Can the pharmacist substitute a cheaper, generic form of the medicine?
  • Will the medicine create conflicts with other medicines I take?

 

Find out how to Take the Medicine

 

Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse about the right way to take your medicine. Ask questions, such as:

  • When and how often should I take the medicine? As needed, or on a schedule?
  • Do I take medicine before, with, or between meals?
  • How long will I have to take it?

 

Know What to Expect With the new Medicine

 

Ask about how you will feel.

  • How will I feel once I start taking this medicine?
  • How will I know if this medicine is working?
  • What side effects might I expect? Should I report them?
  • Are there any lab tests to check the medicine's level in my body or for any harmful side effects?

Ask if this new medicine fits in with your other medicines.

  • Are there other medicines or activities I should avoid when taking this medicine?
  • Will this medicine change how my other medicines work? (Ask about both prescription and over-the-counter medicines.)
  • Will this medicine change how any of my herbal or dietary supplements work?

Ask if your new medicine interferes with eating or drinking.

  • Are there any foods that I should not drink or eat?
  • Can I drink alcohol when taking this medicine? How much?
  • Is it OK to eat or drink food before or after I take the medicine?

Ask other questions, such as:

  • If I forget to take it, what should I do?
  • What should I do if I feel I want to stop taking this medicine? Is it safe to just stop?

 

When to Call the Doctor or Pharmacist

 

Call your doctor or pharmacist if:

  • You have questions or you are confused or uncertain about the directions for your medicine.
  • You are having side effects from the medicine. DO NOT stop taking the medicine without telling your doctor. You might need a different dose or a different medicine.
  • Your medicine looks different than you expected.
  • Your refill medicine is different than what you usually get.

 

 

References

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Treatments & Medications. Last reviewed April 2016. Ahrq.gov. www.ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/diagnosis-treatment/treatments/index.html . Accessed March 22, 2016.

National Institute on Aging. NIH Senior Health. Taking Medicines. Updated March 2013. www.nihseniorhealth.gov/takingmedicines/takingmedicinessafely/01.html . Accessed March 22, 2016.

 

        A Closer Look

         

        Talking to your MD

         

        Self Care

         

        Tests for Taking medicines - what to ask your doctor

         

         

        Review Date: 2/6/2016

        Reviewed By: Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

        The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

         
         
         

         

         

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