What to Ask Your Doctor to Help Ensure Medication Safety

Millions of people rely on prescription and over-the-counter medications to cure or treat ailments and illnesses. However, when not used as intended, medications may do more harm than good. Certain procedures will help you get the most from your medications and prevent harm to yourself and others.

Make sure your health care provider is aware of all medications you are taking. This includes over-the-counter products such as cold medicines, aspirin, laxatives, vitamins, herbs and dietary supplements. Keep a list of all medications you take and, if possible, take your pills with you to your doctor appointments. If you see more than one doctor, make sure each of them knows what the other has prescribed.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking herbs and supplements. Herb and other dietary supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration so the amount actually in the product may not be consistent with the label. The word “natural” does not indicate safety and, in fact, a product can be dangerous if taken with certain other medicines, or harmful to people with certain conditions.

When your doctor prescribes a medication, ask for the name and what condition the medication will be treating. It is also important to discuss how the medication will work to treat your condition. As an example, your physician may prescribe a medication that has a diuretic effect. An important consideration is that the fluid loss may lead to loss of nutrients. As a result, you may need to take extra care to consume adequate amounts of healthy foods to replace the lost nutrients.

Ask for specific instructions on how to take your medications. Get clarification pertaining to statements such as, “Take three times a day.” Does it mean morning, noon and early afternoon? Other important questions to ask include: Should the medication be taken with water, juice or food? How long will I need to take this medication? Is there an alternative treatment such as physical activity or diet? Can I take a lower dose? What should I do if I miss a dose? Will I need a refill? This information will help you take medication as prescribed so that maximum benefits are realized.

Many people experience common side effects when taking medications. Common side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness and muscle pain. Contact your doctor if you experience side effects. Talk to your doctor if you would like to stop
taking the medication.

If you have a prescription filled and your pills have a different physical appearance than previously, ask your pharmacist why it is different. Take pills and capsules whole unless otherwise instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.

When prescribed antibiotics, take all pills indicated on the label. Failing to finish antibiotics may encourage the
development of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria, and may mean that the condition being treated may come back with resistance to the antibiotic.

Caregivers of older adults should be knowledgeable about the medications taken by adults in their care. Parents of children who take medication should know and follow school policies and procedures concerning medications while the student is at school.

Store medications in original containers in a safe place away from humidity and direct sunlight. Keep all medications out
of reach of children and pets.