Know the Medications You’re Taking
You should know certain details about your medications. This helps you take them correctly and safely. For each medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist the questions below. Write down the answers so you don’t forget. Then fill in the information on your medication list. Also, ask about anything you don’t understand or that seems wrong. For instance, if you get a refill and the pills don’t look like the ones from last time, talk to the pharmacist before taking them.
Questions to ask
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What is the medication’s name? Find out the brand name as well as the generic name, if any.
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Why am I taking this? What does it do?
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How often should I take this? At what time of day?
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How much of the medication (what dosage) should I take?
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What should I do if I miss a dose?
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Should I expect any side effects from this medication? What should I do if I have them?
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Do I follow any special instructions while taking this? Are there any activities, foods, or other medications I should avoid while taking this?
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How long should I keep taking this? When I run out, should I order more?
Beware of medication interactions
Vitamins, herbal supplements, and some over-the-counter drugs can be dangerous to take if you use heart medications. So tell your doctor about all products you’re taking. This includes even simple remedies for headaches, allergies, colds, or constipation. Show your medication list to the pharmacist every time you buy prescription or over-the-counter medication. They can tell you which drugs to avoid. Also, drinking alcohol while taking heart medications can be dangerous.
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.