WebMD Public Information with the Department of Health and Human Services
Understanding Your Medications
The single most important way you can stay healthy is to be an active member of your own healthcare team. And understanding the importance your medication plays in your treatment is a big part of that.
To get the fullest benefit from your prescription, avoid problems, and reduce possible side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist the following questions:
- What is the name of the medicine? What is it supposed to do?
- What is the dose of the medicine?
- Are there food, drinks, other medicines, or activities I should avoid while taking this medicine?
- What are the possible side effects of the medicine? What should I do if they occur?
- How long will I need to take the medication?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- What should I do if I accidentally take more than the recommended dose?
- How often will the medicine's effects be checked? For example, checking your cholesterol level if you are taking a medicine to lower it.
- Is there any written information I can take home with me? (Most pharmacies have information sheets that you can use as an at-home reference.)
When you pick up your medicine at the pharmacy, check the label carefully to be sure it is the medicine you were prescribed by your doctor. And ask your pharmacist any questions you might have about the prescription.
First-Time Prescription
When your doctor prescribes a medication for you for the first time, make sure to tell him or her the following:
- The names of all medicines you are currently taking, including both over-the-counter and prescription medication as well as any dietary supplements. It is important for your doctor to know this information in order to prescribe the medicine that will be the most helpful. (Keep a list of medicines and how to take them, like this one.)
- Any concerns you have about using your medication. For example, if cost is a concern there may be a generic drug or another lower cost medicine you can take.
- If you are allergic to any medication or have had troubling side effects from a medication that has been prescribed to you.
- If you are or might become pregnant, or if you are nursing a baby.
- Any illnesses or problems for which another doctor or health professional is treating you.
Assessing Effectiveness
During your treatment, you should schedule a follow-up visit to your doctor to monitor your progress. Make sure to tell him or her:
- About any problems you are having with your prescription.
- About any side effects or problems you have had since starting to take the prescription.
- About any new prescriptions that another doctor may have given you and any over-the-counter medicines or dietary supplements that you started taking since your last doctor's visit.
- How you are feeling since starting the medication.
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