Taking medicines - what to ask your provider
Medications - takingTalking to your health care providers about your medicines can help you learn to take them safely and effectively.
- Take Charge of Your Health
Many people take medicines every day. You might need to take medicine for an infection or to treat a long-term (chronic) illness.
Take charge of your health. Ask your providers questions and learn about the medicine you take.
Know what medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take.
- Make a list of your medicines to keep in your wallet.
- Take time to understand the purpose of your medicine.
- Ask your provider questions when you do not know the meaning of medical words, or when instructions aren't clear. And write down the answers to your questions.
- Bring a family member or friend to the pharmacy or to your provider's visits to help you remember or write down the information you are given.
- Get Information About Your New Medicine
When your provider prescribes a medicine, find out about it. Ask questions, such as:
- What is the name of the medicine?
- Why am I taking this medicine?
- What is the name of the condition this medicine will treat?
- How long will it take to work?
- How should I store the medicine? Does it need to be refrigerated?
- Can the pharmacist substitute a cheaper, generic form of the medicine?
- Will the medicine create conflicts with other medicines I take?
- Find Out How to Take the Medicine
Ask your provider or pharmacist about the right way to take your medicine. Ask questions, such as:
- When and how often should I take the medicine? As needed, or on a schedule?
- Do I take medicine before, with, or between meals?
- How long will I have to take it?
- Know What to Expect With the New Medicine
Ask about how you will feel.
- How will I feel once I start taking this medicine?
- How will I know if this medicine is working?
- What side effects might I expect? Should I report them?
- Are there any lab tests to check the medicine's level in my body or for any harmful side effects?
Ask if this new medicine fits in with your other medicines.
- Are there other medicines or activities I should avoid when taking this medicine?
- Will this medicine change how my other medicines work? (Ask about both prescription and over-the-counter medicines.)
- Will this medicine change how any of my herbal or dietary supplements work?
Ask if your new medicine interferes with eating or drinking.
- Are there any foods that I should not drink or eat?
- Can I drink alcohol when taking this medicine? How much?
- Is it OK to eat or drink food before or after I take the medicine?
Ask other questions, such as:
- If I forget to take it, what should I do?
- What should I do if I feel I want to stop taking this medicine? Is it safe to just stop?
- When to Call the Doctor
Contact your provider or pharmacist if:
- You have questions or you are confused or uncertain about the directions for your medicine.
- You are having side effects from the medicine. Do not stop taking the medicine without telling your provider. You might need a different dose or a different medicine.
- Your medicine looks different than you expected.
- Your refill medicine is different than what you usually get.
References
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality website. Your medicine: Be smart. Be safe. www.ahrq.gov/questions/resources/your-meds/index.html. Updated November 2020. Accessed February 15, 2024.
US Department of Health and Human Services. Use medicines safely. health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/safety/use-medicines-safely. Updated July 20, 2022. Accessed February 15, 2024.