Written By: Abier Hamami. RPH. CPHQBe Honest with the doctor:
Tell your doctor the following:
The names of all medicines you are currently taking (over-the-counter, prescription medication as well as any dietary supplements).If you are allergic to any medication or have had side effects from a medication that has been prescribed to you.If you are or might become pregnant, or if you are nursing a baby.If you have any hereditary or family disease.Any illnesses followed or treated by another doctor.
Understand Your Medication:
be an informed patient and ask the doctor or pharmacist the following questions:
What is the name of the medicine (Brand and Generic)? Why are you taking it?What is the dose of the medicine, and how often should you take it?Are there food, drinks, other medicines, or activities you should avoid while taking this medicine?What are the possible side effects of the medicine? What should you do if they occur?How long will you need to take the medication?What should you do if you miss a dose?Where and how do you store it?What should you do if you accidentally take more than the recommended dose?How frequent will the medicine's effects be checked? For example, checking your blood pressure if you are taking a medicine to lower it.Is there any written information you can take home?
Double Check your medication
When you pick up your medicine at the pharmacy, you should check the label carefully to be sure it is the medicine you were prescribed by the doctor.Check the label against the physician directions.Read the label on the container each time before you take your medication.
Follow up with your physician to assess your medication effectiveness:
During the treatment, you should attend a follow-up visit to the doctor to monitor your progress by telling him or her:
About any problems you are having with his prescription( Compliance or Costs problems) About any side effects or problems.About any new medication or dietary supplement you have started taking since last doctor's visit.How you are feeling since starting the medication.
References
General Advice on Safe Medication Use, ISMP
