Download 6-Things-to-Ask-2013-Part

Senior Dining Pharmacist Program
Catholic Charities June 2013
Questions To Ask About Your Medications-Part One
What Is the Name of My Medication?
You should know all of your medications names, both prescription and over the counter.
Since you may receive treatment from more than one doctor, you should inform each
doctor about all the medications, including over-the-counter, and dietary supplements that
you take. This will help to make sure that the medication your doctor has prescribed is the
right one for you. If you cannot remember them, write them down or obtain a list from
your pharmacy or doctor.
What Does My Medication Do?
Always know why your doctor has prescribed a medication for you. Your doctor should
inform you for what condition you are being treated and why you need a medication.
How and When Should I Take My Medication?
It is very important to take your medication properly to help ensure that it gives you the
help you need. Even though the label on your medication container will tell you how much
medication to take and when, you should know what to expect before you have a
prescription filled. You are more likely to take your medication correctly if you understand
why a certain directions or schedules may be necessary.
How Long Do I Need To Take My Medication?
Some medications are intended to be taken short term and others long term. Other may be
on an “as needed” basis. You may develop significant problems by not taking your
medications as prescribed. Make sure that you clearly understand how long you need to
take the medication and if you need refills. If you have a chronic disease such as high blood
pressure or diabetes, medications may be needed for many years or indefinitely.
What Should I Do if I Feel Better and I Don’t Want To Take All Of The
Amount of Medication Prescribed By My Doctor?
You should not stop taking your medication before speaking with your doctor. Your doctor
will help you understand your condition and the reason why you were prescribed the
medication for a certain time period. This should help you better understand why you need
to finish the full course of your medication or your doctor may indicate that you may stop
safely. Check first! For example, this is usually a problem with antibiotics. You may feel
better after a couple of days but the antibiotic is ordered for 10 days.
This is often an issue with antibiotics. For example, if you are being treated for pneumonia,
it is important to take your antibiotic for the full time ordered by your doctor, even though
you may feel better after a few days of treatment. Stopping your medication too soon may
cause the infection to return and increase the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Disclaimer: The information provided is not intended to substitute for medical advice. Consult your
physician for diagnosis and treatment of your medication condition. Professional opinions and interpretations
may vary. This program is not intended to take the place of your pharmacist.
Senior Dining Pharmacist Program
Catholic Charities August 2013
Questions To Ask About Your Medications-Part Two
Does My Medication Contain Anything That Can Cause an Allergic
Reaction?
First, make sure your doctor and pharmacy know all your drug allergies.
Make sure to tell them what the allergic reaction was if you know or
remember. Ask your doctor and pharmacist if there is anything in your
medical history that would make you more likely to have an allergic reaction
to your medication. People with health conditions related to allergies, such as
asthma and hay fever, may be more likely to have an allergic reaction to
certain types of medication. Also, certain medications such as antibiotics are
more likely to cause allergic reactions.
What Foods, Drinks, or Activities Should I Avoid While Taking This
Medication?
Certain foods and alcohol can interact with your medication. For example,
grapefruit interacts with medications used to treat high cholesterol, such as
Zocor® (simvastatin). Alcohol can increase the side effects of medications
used to treat anxiety, such as lorazepam, or narcotic pain pills by causing
excess drowsiness which may increase your risk of falls.
Some medications such those containing diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) may
make a person drowsy and increase the risk of car accidents so one should not
drive after taking this medication.
Is It Safe For Me to Take This Medication With My Other Medications,
Herbal Products, Vitamins, or Dietary Supplements?
Your medication may interact with other drugs and supplements causing an
adverse reaction or reducing their effectiveness. It is important to inform your
doctor and pharmacist about all of the medications, herbal products, and
supplements that you are taking so she can advise you about possible
interactions.
For example, some medications taken with the cholesterol lowering
medications called statins, may increase your risk of muscle aches. Another
example is taking calcium tablets at the same time as your thyroid
medications may make the thyroid medication less effective. Calcium may
reduce how much thyroid medication is absorbed into your body.
Disclaimer: The information provided is not intended to substitute for medical advice. Consult your
physician for diagnosis and treatment of your medication condition. Professional opinions and interpretations
may vary. This program is not intended to take the place of your pharmacist.
Catholic Charities Senior Dining Pharmacist Program
Questions To Ask About Your Medications-Part Three
August 2013
Will I Have Side Effects From My Medication?
Medications all can have side effects. Many are not serious. Ask your doctor
and pharmacist about side effects to expect or watch out for. Patient drug
information forms provided by the pharmacy often list common or serious
side effects. They can assist you on what to expect and how to handle them. If
you think you are having an unexplained side effect, contact your doctor.
Medications should not be stopped without talking to your doctor first. If you
think you are having a severe side effect that is immediate danger to your
health, go to the emergency room or contact 911.
What Should I Do if I Forget to Take a Dose of My Medication?
Forgetting or missing a medication dose can happen. The answer varies
depending on the medication and the reason for use. You should ask this
information from your doctor or pharmacist and know the answer before it
happens. This information sometimes is on patient drug information sheets
provided by the pharmacy.
How Fast Will My Medication Work?
The answer varies depending on the medication and condition. Some
medications work very quickly and others take time. Medications for
headache pain or sleeping pills, work very quickly. Others, such as
antidepressants like Prozac, can take up to several weeks before an effect is
noticeable. For some conditions, like high blood pressure, you may not feel a
difference but it is important to continue taking your blood pressure
medication as specified by your doctor.
If your medication does not appear to be working as expected or desired in a
reasonable time frame, contact your doctor.
Disclaimer: The information provided is not intended to substitute for medical advice. Consult your
physician for diagnosis and treatment of your medication condition. Professional opinions and interpretations
may vary. This program is not intended to take the place of your pharmacist.