Dr. MJ Bazos MD,
Patient Handout
How to Get the Most
from Your Medicine
What do I need to
know?
Medicines can help you feel better. But if
medicines are taken the wrong way, they can actually make you feel worse. To use
prescription medicines and medicines you can buy "over-the-counter" (without a
prescription from your doctor) correctly, follow the guidelines below.
What questions should I ask my
doctor about my medicines?
If there is something you don't understand about
a medicine you're taking, ask your doctor. If you still don't understand, ask
your doctor to explain things more clearly. If you are taking more than 1
medicine, be sure to ask how the medicines will work together in your body.
Sometimes medicines cause problems when they are taken together (called a drug
interaction).
Below is a list of questions you can ask your
doctor to learn how to use each medicine correctly and safely:
- What does the medicine do?
- When and how should I take the medicine?
- What side effects (reactions your body may have
to the medicine) could I have?
- Will the medicine react to any other medicines,
foods or drinks?
- Should I avoid any activities while I'm taking
the medicine?
- What should I do if I forget to take the
medicine?
- How will I know if the medicine is working?
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Things to know about each medicine
you take
- Name (generic name and brand name)
- Reason for taking it
- How much to take and how often to take it
- Possible side effects and what to do if you have
them
- How long to continue taking it
- Special instructions (taking it at bedtime or
with meals, etc.)
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How can I remind myself to take my
medicine?
Try to take your medicine at the same time (or
times) every day, such as when you wake up or with meals. Keep the medicine
bottle(s) in a place you see often, such as on the kitchen counter. (Make sure
that medicines are in childproof containers and kept out of the reach of
children.)
Should I avoid any foods, drinks or
activities while I'm taking medicine?
Talk to your doctor about things to avoid while
you are taking a prescription medicine. Some foods can cause side effects, such
as stomach upset, if you are taking medicine. Drinking alcohol is generally not
a good idea while you are taking medicine. Some medicines cause reactions such
as sun sensitivity (getting a sunburn or sun rash), so you may have to limit
your outdoor activities or protect your skin from the sun.
If you are taking an over-the-counter medicine,
read the label to see what to avoid while you are taking it. Follow the
instructions just as you would with a prescription medicine. If you have
questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
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Medicine do's and
don'ts
- Do read the label carefully.
- Do take your medicine exactly as your doctor
tells you to.
- Do make sure that each of your doctors (if you
see more than one) has a list of all of the medicines you're taking
- Do ask your doctor to help you make a schedule
(if you are taking more than one medicine) so you know what medicines to take at
what times of the day.
- Do consider using one pharmacy for all your
prescriptions. The pharmacist can help you keep track of what you're taking.
- Do make sure everyone you live with knows what
medicine you're taking and when you're supposed to take it.
- Don't combine prescription medicines and
over-the-counter medicines unless your doctor says it's OK.
- Don't stop taking a medicine or change how much
you take or how often you take it without first talking to your doctor.
- Don't take someone else's medicine.
- Don't use medicine after its expiration date.
- Don't crush, break or chew tablets or capsules
unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines won't work right unless they are
swallowed whole.
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What's the difference between
generic and brand name medicines?
Just like foods, some medicines come in both
brand names and generics. Generic medicines are generally cheaper. Ask your
doctor or pharmacist if a generic form of your prescription medicine will work
for you.
Over-the-counter medicines also come in
generics. Compare the list of ingredients. If the generic has the same
ingredients as the brand name, you may want to consider using it. But be
careful: The generic may contain different amounts of certain medicines. Ask
your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about which medicine to choose.
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Tips for choosing over-the-counter
medicines
- If you have questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
- Although it can seem overwhelming, take the time
to look at all the choices.
- Read the label carefully and note what symptoms
the medicine will treat.
- Look for a medicine that will treat only the
symptoms you have. For example, if you only have a runny nose, don't pick a
medicine that also treats coughs and headaches.
- Note how much medicine you should take, and what
side effects it may cause.
- Note what medicines or foods you should not take
with the medicine.
- Check to see if the medicine causes problems for
people with certain health problems (such as asthma or hypertension).
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What if I don't feel better even
though I'm taking my medicine?
Any medicine needs time to work. When you are
given a prescription, ask your doctor how long it should take for the medicine
to make you feel better. It might take time to find the right medicine for you
and the right amount of it. Call your doctor if you have concerns about what
you're taking or if you don't feel better after taking your medicine as
prescribed.
If you're trying to treat yourself with an
over-the-counter medicine and it doesn't seem to be working, call your doctor.
Your sickness can get much worse if you wait too long to get treated by your
doctor.
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