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Drug Treatment - What to Ask?

The following are questions you can ask your health care provider if you are concerned about the medications you are taking. Be sure to tell your health care provider about any medicine reactions or allergies you have experienced.

It is important to make a list of every medicine you are taking, keep it up-to-date, and carry a copy with you at all times, especially when you go for a visit with your health care provider.

  1. Does each medicine have more than one name?
  2. I have difficulty reading the labels on my medicines. Could I have large print on them?
  3. I have difficulty with the child-proof caps on my medicines. Do I need to have these? (If you have easy to open caps make sure they are out of reach of any children who might visit you.)
  4. Are any of my medicines habit-forming?
  5. Is it safe for me to be taking all of my medications?
  6. It says on the label "Before meals", how long before eating should I take them?
  7. It says on the label "After meals", how long after a meal should I take them?
  8. It says on the label "At night", does this mean any time after 6 pm, or should I take it just before bed?
  9. Can I use milk or fruit juice to wash down my medicine?
  10. I've heard that grapefruit juice is not good with some medicines - is this true? Which of my medicines should I not take with Grapfruit juice?
  11. Will any of the food I eat interact with my medicines?
  12. I enjoy a glass of wine with my evening meal. Will this affect any of my medicines?
  13. Can I still drive while taking my medications?
  14. Will the medicine make me sleepy?
  15. Will the medicine affect my memory or thinking?
  16. If I miss a dose what should I do - take double at the next dose?
  17. Are all my medications really necessary?
  18. Are there less expensive versions of any of my medications available that are equally effective?
  19. I sometimes have difficulty swallowing pills. Is it ok to crush this medicine and mix it with food or juice?
  20. I use eye drops every day. Can they interact with any of my other medicines?
  21. Do over-the-counter medicines have fewer side effects than prescription medicines?
  22. Where should I store my medicines?
  23. How can I remind myself to take my medicines?
  24. Are there any non-medicine treatments that might help me instead of my medications?
  25. I heard it's a good idea to use only one pharmacy. Why is this?
Questions about specific medications
  1. What is the name of my medicine(s)?
  2. Why am I taking this (name/s of over-the-counter medicine/s)?
  3. For how long will I need to take this medicine?
  4. How long before the medicine takes effect?
  5. I am taking (name/s of over-the-counter medicine/s). Will this interact with any of my other medicines?
  6. What are the side-effects of (name/s of medicine/s)?

 
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