Ask About Your Medicines

It is important for you to know about your medicines. Asking questions is a good idea. Talk about your prescriptions with your health care provider or pharmacist.

Begin by asking these questions:

What is the name of the medicine? What is it supposed to do?
How and when should I take it?
How long should I take this medicine?
How much should I take? Are the instructions on the label?
What do I do if I miss a scheduled dose?
Should I take the medicine with food or on an empty stomach?
What foods, drinks, medicines, or activities should be avoided while taking this medicine?
Will it interact with other drugs I am taking?
Are there any side effects? What should be done if they occur?
Is there any written information about this medicine?
Whom should I call if I have questions later about the medicine or side effects?
Where should I store my medicine?
Should I talk to you before I stop taking this medicine?

Tell your health care provider or pharmacist:

The names of all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription drugs (even vitamins, aspirin, or antacids). Take a list of all the medicines you are taking with you when you visit your health care provider.
Any problems you or your family members have with medicines, such as allergic reactions or side effects.
Any allergies to medicines that you have.
If you are or think you might be pregnant.

Finally, speak up:

If you don't understand what you have been told, ask for the instructions to be explained again.
Take notes on what you are told about your medicines.
Ask for additional written information to take home.
Call back if you have additional questions.

For more information, you may want to contact:

National Council on Patient Information and Education
4915 St. Elmo Avenue
Suite 505
Bethesda, MD 20814-6053
Phone: 301-656-8565
Web site: http://www.talkaboutrx.org

The National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE) is a nonprofit organization. Its goal is to promote the safe and effective use of prescription medicines.

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.