When the doctor prescribes a new drug, we often nod and agree. We assume the directions will be on the vial, and we will understand them.
Your appointment may be rushed, you may be focused on your diagnosis, anxious, or don’t feel well enough to think about it. That’s understandable. However, without understanding all the information about the prescription, you could have a medication error. These errors result in over one million emergency room visits each year in the U.S. Here are prescription questions that you should ask to avoid an emergency.
Why am I receiving this prescription? You need to understand the condition you have, how this medication will help, and what would happen if you did not take it.
What is the exact name of the drug? You need to recognize and be able to refer to any medication you are taking by name. Know what it looks like, know if it can be split or crushed.
What are the side effects? Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea or headache can be side effects of some drugs. Find out how your body reacts to any new medicine before planning your day. Start a new drug, especially one that may cause drowsiness, only when you plan on being home, not driving or working.
What are the drug instructions? Do you take it with food or on an empty stomach? How many hours before or after a meal, with water, what time of day, and how often are critical to understand. Write down the directions yourself and put them by the medication vial. Taking medication incorrectly may result in it not being effective.
How long do I take it? Is the drug to be taken as needed, such as for pain, or on a schedule? Will you need to refill the prescription, or is one regimen enough? Are you to take all the medication in the vial, such as antibiotics, or are you to take it only upon onset of a symptom?
Will it interact with any food or other medications? Tell your healthcare provider about every medication, vitamin or supplement of all types that you take. Many pills, including supplements and over-the-counter medicines, have harmful interactions with other drugs. Some antibiotics can interact with blood thinners, for example, increasing bleeding risk. Some heart medications cannot be taken with grapefruit juice. Be sure you read the warnings on the vial and discuss any concerns with your pharmacist or healthcare provider before starting a new drug.
What if I react to this drug? Do I stop taking it, or are there some expected reactions that are ok?
What if I miss a dose, or what if I take two doses? This depends on the drug; some may be okay if a dose is missed. Depending upon when you realize you’ve missed your dose, it may not be wise take it; ask your healthcare provider for guidance. There could be severe consequences from taking it to close to the next prescribed dose.
Doubling a dose could be dangerous, and you need advice and guidance from the pharmacy or healthcare provider whenever you have not followed the dosage instructions. Keeping your pills in a daily pill box may be helpful if you find yourself questioning if a medication was taken.
Other questions you need to consider with your prescription are:
How much does this drug cost? Will a generic be effective, and is it available? Can I drink alcohol or take allergy medication while taking it? Should it be stored at room temperature or refrigerated? Are there alternatives to taking medication that I can try first? Will I feel it working or not?
There are no silly questions about medications you are taking. Prescription drugs are often life-savers, and your healthcare provider has decided you need the one they have prescribed. Everyone needs to be informed and smart when taking them.