New Medicines: Questions to Ask the Doctor
Overview
Ask the following questions if your doctor recommends a new medicine for your health condition.
General questions
Brand name (trade name): | Generic name (chemical name): |
|---|---|
What will the medicine do (for example, decrease blood pressure)? |
Why do I need this medicine? |
Are there any other medicine or treatment options? |
How much does the medicine cost? |
Is a generic form of the medicine available and appropriate for me? |
Can I start with a prescription for a few days to make sure the medicine agrees with me? |
Questions about taking the medicine
How is the medicine taken (for example, orally [by mouth] or through a skin patch)? What amount do I take each time (dose)? How often should it be taken (for example, 3 times a day)? When? Should I take it with or without food? |
What should I avoid while taking it (for example, certain foods, activities, other medicines, or alcohol)? |
Will it interact with other medicines I am currently taking or other medical conditions? Yes___ No __ If yes, what might occur? |
What are the common side effects (those that do not usually cause problems)? |
What side effects should I report if I experience them? |
What do I do if I miss a dose? |
How long will I need to take this medicine (days, weeks, months)? |
How will I know that the medicine is helping? |
What is the next step if this medicine doesn't work? |
Reminders
- Be sure you understand your doctor's instructions.
- State any concerns you have about taking the medicine. For example, ask if "4 doses daily" means taking a dose every 6 hours around the clock or just during regular waking hours.
Credits
Current as of: September 25, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Current as of: September 25, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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