Here are some tips to help you effectively talk with your doctor about medications:

Let your doctor know all medications you are taking, including prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs, herbal or dietary supplements, and vitamins.

Make sure you get all of the information you need about a new prescription such as…  

   How will the medication help you?
   What side effects might occur?
   Should you avoid any foods or beverages?
   Are drug interactions with other prescriptions a possibility?

Be sure to find out when to take a new medication and how, such as on an empty stomach or with food, in the morning or evening, and how frequently.

Ask how long it should take for the medication to start being effective and how you will know if this is happening.

Ask your pharmacist for information about medications and over-the-counter products.  They should have information on all your prescriptions and be able to advise you about possible drug interactions, side effects and instructions for use.

It’s a good idea to ask for the prescribing physician’s after-hours phone number in case you develop side effects.

Share
No tags for this post.