Talking with Your Provider or Pharmacist About Your Medicines
http://www.talkaboutrx.org
It is important for you to know about your medicines. Talk about your prescriptions with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Good questions to ask include:
- What is the name of the medicine? Medicines can have both a brand name and a generic name. It is often important to know both.
- How will it help me?
- How and when should I take it?
- How long do I need to 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 I am taking this medicine?
- Will it interact with other drugs I am taking?
- Are there any side effects? What should I do if they occur?
- Is there any written information about this medicine that I should have?
- 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?
If you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breast-feeding, ask:
- Is this medicine safe during pregnancy?
- Is it safe while I’m breast-feeding my baby?
If you have small children, ask:
- What should I do if my child accidentally takes this medicine?
To help you remember:
- Ask for the instructions to be explained again if it is not clear to you. A good way to check your understanding is to ask yourself if you could explain it to your family when you get home.
- 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
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.
Developed by RelayHealth, with the assistance of the National Council on Patient Information and Education.
Adult Advisor 2012.1 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2011-08-09
Last reviewed: 2011-08-05
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
© 2012 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
