Bring the whole picture
A useful medication conversation starts with the information your pharmacist or clinician needs. The FDA recommends keeping an up-to-date list of prescription medicines, nonprescription products and supplements, including products used occasionally. Share allergies and concerns that could affect how you use a medicine.
The point is to help a professional check your situation. This article cannot assess interactions or determine whether a medicine is appropriate for you.
Your list for the conversation
- Prescription medicines
- Nonprescription products
- Supplements
- Products you use only occasionally
- Allergies
- Concerns about using a medicine
Understand the plan in your own words
Ask what the medicine is intended to do, what benefits and risks to discuss, and what monitoring may be needed. If the instructions are unclear, ask the pharmacist or clinician to explain them and provide information you can take away.
Ask whom to contact with questions, which possible side effects need prompt attention, and what to do if you miss a dose. Those answers depend on the medicine and your circumstances; they are not supplied by this general guide.
Keep questions open
The FDA describes pharmacists as a resource for understanding medicines and their instructions. A conversation can continue after the first visit if new questions arise.
Write down any changes you notice and questions you want to raise with a health professional. This guide does not recommend a drug, choose a dose, or instruct you to start, stop or change treatment. Follow your own care instructions and seek individual advice when something is unclear.
Where this information came from
Sources
These independent sources informed this guide. Links open the source website in this tab. Grace Health source checks are separate from article and clinical review.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
FDA Pharmacists Help You Use Medicines Safely — external sourceU.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Think It Through: Managing the Benefits and Risks of Medicines — external source