Posted by: Randy Robin
on Jun 26, 2010
Whenever you receive a new prescription medication from a physician, you should ask these questions from the doctor or the pharmacist. If you educate yourself with this information, you will increase your opportunity for success with the new medication.
New Medication Form
Prescription name (trade name)
Generic name (chemical name)
What will the medicine do (for example, decrease blood pressure)?
Why do I need this medicine?
Are there any other medicine or treatment options?
How much does the medicine cost?
Is a generic form of the medicine available and appropriate for me?
Is there a similar medicine that will work almost as well and be less expensive?
Can I start with a prescription for a few days to make sure the medicine agrees with me?
How is the medicine taken (for example, orally [by mouth] or through a skin patch)?
What amount do I take each time (dose in mg)?
How often should it be taken (for example, 3 times a day)? When?
Questions about taking the medicine
Should I take it with or without food?
What should I avoid while taking it (for example, certain foods, activities, other medicines, or alcohol)?
Yes there can be interactions, (it is not ok to take it with these...)
No, (it is ok to take it with these)
If yes, what might occur?
What are the common side effects (those that do not usually cause problems)?
What side effects should I report if I experience them?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
How long will I need to take this medicine (days, weeks, months)?
How will I know that the medicine is helping?
What is the next step if this medicine doesn't work?
Will it interact with other medicines I am currently taking or other medical conditions?
