October is National “Talk About Your Medications Month” and understanding your medication labels is vital to maintaining your health.
Consider these 10 questions when talking to your provider about medications.
- What’s the name of the medicine and what is it for?
- How and when do I take it and for how long?
- What side effects should I expect and what should I do about them?
- Should I take this medicine on an empty stomach or with food?
- Should I avoid any activities, foods, drinks, alcohol or other medicines while taking this prescription?
- Is it best to take it in the morning or at night?
- Will this medicine work safely with my other medications, including other prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and other supplements?
- When should I expect the medicine to begin to work and how will I know if it’s working?
- How should I store it?
- Is there any additional information I should know about this medicine?
If you’re unsure about the medications you take and why or would like to have a no-cost medication review, contact Dr. Phillip Masters, Clinical Pharmacist, at (641) 774-8103.