Questions to ask about any medicine

As a patient, you can learn from your doctor and pharmacist. You receive the best possible care when you ask questions! Many questions about medications can be answered by both your doctor and your pharmacist.

These are some questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist when you are on medication:

• Why do I need this medicine?
• How does it work?
• How soon will it work?
• Is the generic form of this medicine effective?
• What are the alternatives to taking this medicine?
• How long should I take this medicine?
• What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
• Is it expensive?
• What do I do if I miss a scheduled dose?
• May I take this medicine with food or fluids?
• May I work, drive, exercise, or fly while taking this medicine?
• Will it interact with other drugs I am taking?
• Will it interact with any natural herbal, Chinese, homeopathic or other alternative medicines I am taking?
• Should I talk to you before I stop taking this medicine?
• Will it interact with alcohol, such as wine, beer, or cocktails?

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have any allergies to medicines. An allergy can cause sudden rash, difficulty breathing, swelling in the mouth or face, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, or other symptoms. A medicine allergy usually happens soon after you take a medication. Drug sensitivities may occur hours, days, or weeks after taking the drug.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before you start taking any new medication. Do not let other people take any of your prescription medicines and do not take any of theirs. Take medicines exactly as prescribed and know the names and types of medicines that you routinely take.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File MEDI4751.rf2 VRS# 7868 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1998, 2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.