Don't Just Take It From Me
When your doctor prescribes a new medication, it's easy to just nod and head to the pharmacy. However, before you fill any new prescription, a few questions deserve answers and the best time to ask them is during your visit. Doctors and pharmacists would rather explain things in person than try to cover things later over the phone or through a patient portal.
Start with the obvious question: do you actually need a prescription, or could lifestyle changes, diet, or an over-the-counter option work? Sometimes they can, but other times, medication really is the best choice. Either way, you should know why. It is important to clearly know what is this medication supposed to do, and what result is your doctor hoping to see.
Next, ask how long you'll need to take it and how many refills you have. Some medications, like antibiotics or blood-thinners after a blood clot, are short-term. Others, like blood pressure or diabetes medications, are often long-term. Find out how long it takes for the new medication to start working and how you'll know if it is helping. With blood pressure medication, for example, you may not feel different, but your blood pressure numbers should improve. Also ask what happens when refills run out — do you stop taking it completely, call the pharmacy for a refill renewal, or is a new clinic appointment needed to check for improvement from the medication? Do you need to have any labs monitored while taking this medication?
Special instructions matter too. Should it be taken with food, on an empty stomach. Can this medication be taken with other medications, or does it need to be taken alone? Is timing important — morning or night? Statins, for instance, often work best at bedtime, since the liver produces cholesterol overnight. Ask what to do if you miss a dose. This is especially important for some medications like blood thinners or birth control, where a missed dose can matter a great deal.
Side effects are another key conversation. Package inserts list pages of possible reactions, but before ruling out a medication over one, ask how common it actually is. A side effect affecting just 1% of patients in a clinical trial still has to be listed even though it's rare.
Ask whether it's safe to drive on this medication, and whether you should avoid certain foods, drinks, or alcohol while taking it. Your doctor and pharmacist should already be checking for interactions with your other medications, along with any allergies, but it never hurts to ask directly. If you're not comfortable taking something, please say so. Sharing your concerns gives your doctor a chance to address them or find an alternative that works better for you.
There are many things you need to know before starting a new medication, so don't just take it from me. Ask your doctor or pharmacist, so together you can make the best decision for your health. Prescription medications are just one of the tools we use to help you stay healthy out there.
Dr. Jill Kruse is a hospitalist at the Brookings Health System and owner of Flight Time Medical in Brookings, SD. She serves as a volunteer host for the Prairie Doc® team, which is currently celebrating its 25th season of providing health education based on science and built on trust. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay connected. Our programming includes the medical Q&A show On Call with the Prairie Doc® (most Thursdays at 7pm on YouTube, and Facebook), along with two podcasts and a weekly radio program (Sundays at 6am and 1pm on SDPB).
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