Do you know someone starting a new medication?
Share these questions with a friend or loved one before their next trip to the doctor.
- Will this new prescription work safely with the other prescription and non-prescription medicines I am taking?
- What is the name of the medicine and what is it supposed to do? Is there a less expensive alternative?
- How and when do I take the medicine and for how long?
- What should I do if I miss or forget a dose?
- Should it be taken before, during, or after meals?
- What foods, drinks, other medicines, dietary supplements, or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?
- Will any tests or monitoring be required while I am taking this medicine? What are the possible side effects and what do I do if they occur?
- When should I expect the medicine to begin to work, and how will I know if it is working?
- Do you have a patient profile form for me to fill out? Does it include space for my OTC drugs and any dietary supplements?
- Is there written information about my medicine?
- What is the most important thing I should know about this medicine? Ask the pharmacist any questions that may not have been answered by your doctor.
- Can I get a refill? If so, when?
- How should I store this medicine?
Source: National Council on Patient Information and Education 
Accessed 9/1/09
