Talking with Your Provider or Pharmacist About Your Medicines

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KEY POINTS

• It is important that your medicines are safe and effective for you.
• Before you take any medicine, you should know the name of the medicine, what it is used for, how much medicine to take and when you should take it, the side effects of the medicine, if the medicine will interact with other medicines or food, and how to store the medicine safely.
• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information about your medicines.

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It is important for you to know about your medicines. Talk about your prescriptions with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Good questions to ask include:

• What is the name of the medicine? Medicines can have both a brand name and a generic name. It is often important and helpful to know both.
• How will it help me?
• How and when should I take it?
• How long do I need to take this medicine?
• How much should I take? Are the instructions on the label?
• What do I do if I miss a scheduled dose?
• Should I take the medicine with food or on an empty stomach?
• What foods, drinks, medicines, or activities should be avoided while I am taking this medicine?
• Will it interact with other drugs I am taking?
• Are there any side effects? What should I do if I think I am having side effects from the medicine?
• Is there any written information about this medicine that I should have?
• Whom should I call if I have questions later about the medicine or side effects?
• Where should I store my medicine?
• Should I talk to you before I stop taking this medicine?

If you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breast-feeding, ask:

• Is this medicine safe during pregnancy?
• Is it safe while I’m breast-feeding my baby?

If you have small children, ask:

• What should I do if my child accidentally takes this medicine?

To help you remember:

• Ask for the instructions to be explained again if it is not clear to you. A good way to check your understanding is to ask yourself if you could explain it to your family when you get home.
• Take notes on what you are told about your medicines.
• Ask for additional written information to take home.
• Call back if you have additional questions.

You may find that it helps to ask someone, like a friend or relative, to go with you to your appointments or to pick up your medicines. They can listen with you and, if necessary, take notes for you.

You can get more information from:

• National Council on Patient Information and Education
  301-656-8565
  http://www.talkaboutrx.org.

The National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE) is a nonprofit organization. Its goal is to promote the safe and effective use of prescription medicines.