Find Out About Your Medications
Your doctor may prescribe a drug for your condition. Make sure you know:
* The name of the drug * Why it has been prescribed * How often and for how long you should take it
Ask the doctor to write the name of the drug for you. Make notes about any other special instructions such as how to take the medicine or which food or drink to avoid while you are taking the medicine. If you are taking other medications, make sure your doctor knows what they are, so he or she can prevent harmful drug interactions.
Sometimes, medicines affect older people differently than younger people. It is important to tell the doctor if your medicine doesn’ t seem to be working or if it is causing problems or side effects. Do not stop taking the medicine on your own. Doing so may cause you more problems. Check with your doctor before stopping your medicine.
If another doctor( for example, a specialist) prescribes a medication for you, let your primary doctor know. Also, call to check with
What Are Side Effects?
My headache prescription always makes me sleepy.
Aunt Sarah’ s cough syrup gave her a rash.
Side effects are unwanted or unexpected symptoms or feelings that happen after taking a medicine.
Drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration are expected to have greater benefits than risks. However, all drugs have potential side effects. Many side effects are minor, others are more serious, and a few can your doctor’ s office before taking any over-the counter medications. You may find it helpful to keep a chart of all the medicines you take and when you take them. See Worksheet 5: Medications, on page 47 of this booklet.
The pharmacist can also answer questions and help you select over-the-counter medications. Because your pharmacist keeps records of all prescriptions you get filled at that pharmacy, it is helpful to use the same store regularly. At your request, the pharmacist can fill your prescriptions in easy-to-open containers and may be able to provide large-print prescription labels.
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Questions to ask about medications: * When will the medicine begin to work?
* What are the common side effects? What should I pay attention to?
* What should I do if I miss a dose?
* Should I take it at meals or between meals? Do I need to drink a whole glass of water with it? What time( s) of day should I take it?
* Are there foods, drugs, or activities I should avoid while taking this medicine?
* Will I need a refill? How do I arrange that?
be life-threatening. Some side effects happen just when you start taking a medicine. Some happen only once in a while and you learn how to manage them.
Before you use any medicine, read the pharmacy label and any stickers that may be attached to the prescription bottle. The label and stickers have information on how to take the drug and possible side effects. Always read the label and package insert for over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements, too.
Some side effects may make you want to stop taking the medicine. Tell your doctor if this happens. He or she may be able to prescribe a different medicine or help you deal with these side effects in other ways.
14 Getting Information