Knowing certain details about your medicines helps you take them correctly and safely. For each medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist the questions below. Write down the answers so you don’t forget. Then fill in the information on your medicine list. Also, ask about anything you don’t understand or that seems wrong. For instance, if you get a refill and the pills don’t look like the ones from last time, talk to the pharmacist before taking them.
It's advised that you contact your prescribing health care provider before stopping a medicine. Be sure your provider (such as your primary care provider) know all the medicines you are taking. Also try to use just one pharmacy.
Questions to ask
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What is the medicine's name? Find out the brand name as well as the generic name, if any.
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Why am I taking this? What does it do? How fast will it work? How will I know if it is working?
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How often should I take this? At what time of day? Is it important to take it at the same time each day?
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How much of the medicine (what dosage) should I take? How many pills is that?
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What should I do if I miss a dose? What are some of the symptoms that may occur if I miss a dose?
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Should I expect any side effects from this medicine? What should I do if I have them?
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Do I follow any special instructions while taking this? Are there any activities, foods, or other medicines I should avoid while taking this? Do I need to take the medicine with food, or before I eat? Do I need to sit up or avoid lying down after taking the medicine?
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Can it be taken with over-the-counter medicines? If so, when?
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Will this new prescription work safely with the other prescription and over-the-counter medicines or dietary supplements I am taking?
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How long should I keep taking this? When I run out, should I order more?
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What does the doctor mean by "as needed"?
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Will any tests or monitoring be required while I am taking this medicine? Do I need to report back to the doctor? How often should I go in to have this medicine monitored?
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How and where should I store this medicine?
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Is there written information about my medicine? Ask the pharmacist if it's available in large print or in a language other than English if you need it.
Beware of medicine interactions
Vitamins, herbal supplements, and some over-the-counter medicines can be dangerous to take if you use heart medicines. So tell your health care provider about all products you’re taking. This includes even simple remedies for headaches, allergies, colds, or constipation. Show your medicine list to the pharmacist every time you buy prescription or over-the-counter medicine. Remember to include all over-the-counter medicines you take as well as any dietary supplements, vitamins, and herbals. They can tell you which medicines to avoid. Also find out if you should avoid drinking alcohol while taking any of your medicines. In some cases, it could be dangerous to drink alcohol.
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