What Should I Know About My Medication?

Starting a new medication often comes with many questions. The patient may receive a brief explanation from the prescribing doctor about why the medication is needed and how to take the prescription, but additional questions often arise. This is where a trusted pharmacist can help. A pharmacist has deep knowledge of many medications and can help answer questions about side effects, effectiveness, medication timing, and potential drug and supplement interactions. Here are 3 important questions to ask a pharmacist before starting a new medication.

1. What side effects are possible?

Medications are intended to prevent, cure, treat, or control illnesses and diseases. Although the benefits of taking a medication frequently outweigh possible risks, patients should still be aware of potential side effects. When taking antibiotics, gastrointestinal (GI) upset may occur, and patients should monitor for diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting. Pain medications, sleep aids, and allergy medications may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Headache, dry mouth, and fatigue may also occur with some medications. In many cases, symptoms are temporary and mild. Knowing what to expect helps patients understand what is normal while monitoring for more serious side effects, such as anaphylaxis and rash, that should be addressed right away.

2. How should the medication be taken?

Many medications have relatively straightforward once-a-day instructions, but others require more advanced planning. Some prescriptions need to be taken at a specific time of day, such as first thing in the morning. For other drugs, the pharmacist may advise taking the prescription with or without food, depending on the medication’s mechanism of action. Some prescriptions can be taken on an as-needed basis, while others require a stricter regimen. A course of antibiotics, for example, should always be finished completely to prevent antibiotic resistance.

3. Any interactions?

Close to 25% of adults take 3 or more prescription medications, making drug-drug interactions a possibility. Before starting any new pharmaceutical, make sure the pharmacist is aware of any other prescriptions or over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Don’t forget to also disclose any supplement use, as some herbs can also interfere with prescription medications. Alcohol can also cause concerning interactions, so make sure any instructions about drinking while on the medication are clear before starting the prescription. A careful review by a pharmacist before the medication is dispensed can help lower the risk of side effects and interactions.

Prescription for success

Starting a new medication doesn’t need to be overwhelming. A pharmacist is a great source of information and can help answer any questions the patient has before starting. Consider asking about potential side effects, how to take the medication, and any known interactions before starting. Patients who are well informed about prescription use are more likely to have good medication adherence and improved health outcomes.