Talk With Your Doctor

One of the most important ways to manage your medications is to learn as much as you can about each medicine you take and how they might mix together. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist. They can answer any questions you might have.

Keep your health care provider(s) informed about any changes you make in your medication routine.

Here are some questions you may wish to ask your doctor or pharmacist:

• What are the names of my medicines?
• What is each one for?
• Are all my medicines really necessary? I’ve been taking some of them for years.
• Can I take OTC drugs with my prescription drugs?
• Do I need to take medication with food or water?
• May I work, drive, exercise, fly or other activities when taking this medication?
• What side effects do I need to be aware of and what should I do if I experience a side effect?
• When do I take my medication?
• When do I refill my medication?
• Can I use the generic version (non-brand name) of the medicine if there is one?
• How can I tell if the medication is working?
• What are the risks if I don’t take the medication?
• Can different dugs negatively affect me when they are taken together?
• Where can I find more information on this medication?
• How soon will I start to feel better?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?

It is important to include all prescription and non-prescription medicines, as well as herbal and vitamin supplements, alternative therapies, and eye drops whenever you make a list of medicines to show your health care provider or pharmacist.

Page updated: December 8th, 2008