Ask questions

Don’t be afraid to ask about your medicines. Sometimes it may require setting aside a special time to meet with the pharmacist for a private counseling session. Here are some specific questions to ask about your medicines:

o What is the name of the medicine and what is it supposed to do?

o How and when to take the medicine, and for how long?

o Does this drug contain anything that can cause me to have an allergic reaction?

o What to do about side effects?

o What foods, drinks, other medicines or activities should be avoided while taking this?

o What if I miss a dose?

o Is it safe to become pregnant or to breast feed while taking this medication?

o Is there a less expensive generic version of the drug my physician has prescribed?

o Are there more economical quantities that could be prescribed?

o Will my insurance cover the cost of this medicine? What is the co-pay?

o Are there any special storage requirements?

o Is there written information available about the medicine?

Remember, your pharmacist is there to help. Just ask.

Check out the accompanying video program (Episode #9) to this article at www.DrLinda.TV entitled, “Know Your Pharmacist”.

For more information on Talk About Your Medicines Month go to http://www.bemedwise.org/talk-about-your-medicines-month/.

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-pharmacist