Health
Questions and answers
Every day, millions of Americans rely on medications to feel better and get well, but it is not always easy to take them correctly. Not taking medications properly can prevent you from getting well as fast as you can. Also, taking medicine with certain foods, alcohol, dietary/herbal supplements, or other medicines might cause a dangerous reaction, or it might stop your medicine from working as well as it should. Here are some questions that can help you get the information you need to use your medicines properly. If the answers seem complicated or confusing, ask again!
- What is the name of the medicine and what is it supposed to do? Is this the brand name or the generic name?
- How and when do I take it -- and for how long?
- What foods, drinks, other medicines, dietary supplements, or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?
- 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)?
- Are there any side effects, what are they, and what do I do if they occur?
- Will this medicine work safely with the other prescription and nonprescription medicines I am taking?
- Can I get a refill? When?
- How should I store this medicine?
- Is there any written information available about the medicine? Is it available in large print or a language other than English?