Understanding Medications

Follow the instructions

Taking your medications as your doctor instructs is critically important. It is up to you to take your medications correctly.

Your doctor will prescribe medications to be taken in a specific dose at specific frequencies and times, as well as provide with any special instructions if necessary. Serious health complications may occur if you fail to comply with doctors’ orders. Risks can include, but are not limited to, an increase in the likelihood of preventable disease progression as well as an increase in the possibility of rehospitalization and urgent doctor or emergency room visits.

Talk with your provider about your medication regime as this will help with adherence. Work with your doctor as a team. Discuss any barriers you have with adherence, as your doctor may have ways to help you.

It’s common for people not to stay on track with prescriptions because they may forget to take their medicines as prescribed, they can’t see or feel the medication’s benefits, they are unable to judge the medication’s effectiveness, they fear the side effects, and/or they can’t afford the medication. You could be affected by a single issue or a combination. You may face different issues at different times. Regardless of the reason, you could be missing out on potential health benefits or setting yourself up for serious health issues by not taking your medication as ordered by your doctor.

Questions to ask your doctor

You’ll want to be able to answer these questions about your medications. Don’t worry if you can’t, just ask your doctor for more information.

1. Why am I taking this medication?
2. How often and when do I take it, and for how long?
3. What do I do if I skip or miss a dose?
4. Does this medication have any side effects, and what do I do if they occur?
5. Can you confirm that I am not allergic to this medication or its ingredients?
6. If the medication is prescribed “as needed,” how do I know when to take it?
7. Is there more than one name for this medication, such as both a brand name and a generic name?
8. How should I store the medication?
9. Do I take this medication on an empty stomach or with food? Do I need to drink a full glass of water with it?
10. Are there any over-the-counter medications I should avoid while taking this medication?
11. Can I chew, break or crush this capsule or tablet?
12. What foods, drinks, other medicines or activities should I avoid while taking this drug? May I drink alcohol while on this medication?

Questions to ask about each medication

1. What is the name of my medication and why am I taking it?
2. What medical condition does it treat?
3. Is there a generic version?
4. What dose should I take at one time, and how many times a day should I take it?
5. How long will it take for this medication to work?
6. What foods, drinks, or activities should I avoid while taking it?
7. Will any tests be necessary while I am on it?
8. When should I stop taking it?
9. What should I do if I miss a dose?
10. Are there any side effects I should know about? When should I call you if I am having side effects?
11. Can I safely mix this medication with vitamins and/or over-the-counter medications?

Questions to ask when on multiple medications

1. Are any combination medications available that may reduce the total number of medications I must take?
2. Does my list of medications include any duplicate therapies, inappropriate prescribing, or unnecessary medications?

Questions to ask at the pharmacy

1. Check the label on your medication to confirm it has your name and dosage directions.
2. Ask for an easy-open cap or pill packets, if needed.
3. Know if you are taking a generic or brand name medication.

Keep yourself on track

• Maintain an up-to-date list of medicines as well as medical history. This may help prevent your doctor from adding additional medications.
• Identify all your medications, including any over-the-counter therapies.
• Match each medication to a disease state. Each medication should match a diagnosis.
• Identify medications that are for the treatment of side effects. The use of multiple medications leads to a higher risk of side effects, and additional medications can be used to treat them.
• Start interventions to ensure you stay on track.
• Consider the use of generic options to reduce cost.
• Use aids such as daily pill boxes, charts, and digital apps to help you stay on track.

Be ready to inform others

Create and carry a current list of medications. This list should be kept in your purse or wallet with you at all times to have available for a visit with your doctor or in an emergency situation. It is also a good idea to post this list on your refrigerator for first responders to easily see. Update your list whenever medications are changed or added.

Include the following information in your medication list:

• Your name, date of birth, and any allergies you have
• All medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal or dietary supplements
• Name of each medication, your dose, and the number of times a day you take it
• What condition each medication is treating
• Any test that might be required to take with the medication (lab work)
• The form of medication such as pill, liquid, injection, patch, etc.
• The name of the doctor who prescribed the medicine
• Special instruction for taking the medicine, such as with or without food
• Pharmacy filling the prescription
• Refill dates

Pay attention to details

• Keep your medications in one location. Store them in a cool, dry place, and out of reach of children.
• If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for instruction.
• Ask your pharmacist for advice before crushing or splitting tablets, as some should only be taken whole.
• Do not stop taking medication just because you feel better.
• Inform your doctor of unexpected side effects.
• Inform your doctor if there is a possibility of pregnancy.
• Never keep expired or discontinued medications.
• Never share your medications or take medications prescribed for another person.
• Never combine multiple types of drugs in the same pill bottle.
• Know your allergies.
• Try to use just one pharmacy.
• Anticipate when your medications will be running out and have your prescriptions renewed as necessary.
• Keep a current list of your medications. Keep a copy with you and posted on your refrigerator at all times.
• Keep your medications in your carry-on luggage when you travel. Take extra medications with you in case your flight is delayed.