New Medicines: Questions to Ask the Doctor
Topic Overview
Ask the following questions if your doctor recommends a new medicine for your health condition.
General questions
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Brand name (trade name): |
Generic name (chemical name): |
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What will the medicine do (for example, decrease blood pressure)? |
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Why do I need this medicine? |
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Are there any other medicine or treatment options? |
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How much does the medicine cost? |
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Is a generic form of the medicine available and appropriate for me? |
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Can I start with a prescription for a few days to make sure the medicine agrees with me? |
Questions about taking the medicine
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How is the medicine taken (for example, orally [by mouth] or through a skin patch)? What amount do I take each time (dose)? How often should it be taken (for example, 3 times a day)? When? Should I take it with or without food? |
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What should I avoid while taking it (for example, certain foods, activities, other medicines, or alcohol)? |
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Will it interact with other medicines I am currently taking or other medical conditions? Yes___ No __ If yes, what might occur? |
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What are the common side effects (those that do not usually cause problems)? |
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What side effects should I report if I experience them? |
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What do I do if I miss a dose? |
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How long will I need to take this medicine (days, weeks, months)? |
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How will I know that the medicine is helping? |
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What is the next step if this medicine doesn’t work? |
Reminders
- Be sure you understand your doctor’s instructions.
- State any concerns you have about taking the medicine. For example, ask if “4 doses daily” means taking a dose every 6 hours around the clock or just during regular waking hours.
Current as of: December 13, 2018
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson, MD – Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine
Topic Contents
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