The National Council on Patient Information and Education has a list of 10 ways to become medicine smart. When you get a prescription, remember to ask these questions:
1. What is the name of the medicine and what is it for? Is this the brand name or the generic name?
2. Is a generic version of this medicine available?(If so, it may be more cost effective to go generic)
3. How and when do I take it and for how long?
4. What foods, drinks, other medicines or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?
5. When should I expect the medicine to begin to work, and how will I know if it is working? Are there any tests required with this medicine (for example, to check liver or kidney function)?
6. Are there any side effects? What are they and what do I do if they occur?
7. Will this medicine work safely with the other prescription and nonprescription medicines I am taking? Will it work safely with any dietary/herbal supplements I am taking?
8. Do I need to get a refill? When?
9. How should I store this medicine?
10. Is there any written information available about the medicine? Is it available in large print or a language other than English?
1. What is the name of the medicine and what is it for? Is this the brand name or the generic name?
2. Is a generic version of this medicine available?(If so, it may be more cost effective to go generic)
3. How and when do I take it and for how long?
4. What foods, drinks, other medicines or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?
5. When should I expect the medicine to begin to work, and how will I know if it is working? Are there any tests required with this medicine (for example, to check liver or kidney function)?
6. Are there any side effects? What are they and what do I do if they occur?
7. Will this medicine work safely with the other prescription and nonprescription medicines I am taking? Will it work safely with any dietary/herbal supplements I am taking?
8. Do I need to get a refill? When?
9. How should I store this medicine?
10. Is there any written information available about the medicine? Is it available in large print or a language other than English?
I'd add one more to the list -> to keep a list of all the medications you take available, like in your wallet, pocketbook ,etc. I always have one on hand for in-case-of-emergency-situations.
