How to Ask the Right Questions and Get the Most from Your Medicines

By: AARP Outreach and Services | Source: AARP.org | October 20, 2005

If you're like most older adults, you take prescription drugs to manage your health or treat a condition. These tips will help you manage your medications wisely for good health and safety.

Talk to Your Doctor and Pharmacist

When it comes to your health, there is no right or wrong question. You have the right and responsibility to ask how medications may affect you. Start with questions like these:

• What is the name of this medication? What is it supposed to do? What are the side effects?
• When do I start and stop taking this medication? How do I take this medicine?
• Will this medication work safely with the other medications I am taking?
• Can non-drug actions help my symptoms, in addition to, or instead of, this drug therapy?
• Are there other medications that I can use? How do they compare in safety, effectiveness and price?

Conversation is the Best Medicine

• Write your questions down and take them to your appointment.
• Ask the questions for each drug that you take.
• Bring both your questions and answers to your doctor and pharmacist.

What to Say

It is important for you to tell your doctor about all the medications you take – prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal. The best way to track medications and help your doctor and pharmacist is to create a list or a personal medication record (PMR). A PMR captures everything that you take, including the doses and how you take them. You can download our Personal Medication Record or order free copies (Stock No. D18358) by calling 1-888-OUR-AARP.

Share Your Personal Medication Record

First, make copies. Give one to your doctor, your pharmacist, and a loved one. Carry one with you and keep a copy at home

Keep your PMR updated. Note any new medications or those you have stopped taking. Record any drug allergies, side effects, or sensitivities you have.

Make Wise Choices

Exploring your options can save you money and improve your health. It's as simple as 1, 2, 3…

1. Consider Generic Drugs
   Generic drugs have the same medical effect as brand-name drugs, but usually cost less. Ask your doctor about generics.
2. Compare Different Drugs
   There is evidence-based research (EBR) that helps you compare drugs developed to treat a particular condition; this research also explains what the drugs do and how much they cost. RegenceRx offers a consumer guide that summarizes and compares evidence about some drugs for many common conditions.
3. Find Discounts
   Just like shopping for clothes or food, you can research and shop for medication discounts.
   • Consider a prescription discount card.
   • Fill your prescription online or through mail order.
   • Enroll in the new Medicare prescription drug coverage program.
   • Check with your state or local government for pharmacy assistance programs.

Manage Your Medicines

It's important to take your medications carefully and correctly. You put your health at risk if you do not follow your medication instructions, fill your prescriptions, or take the required doses. Notify your doctor immediately if:

• you have any problems or concerns with your medicines
• you can't stick to your medication plan because of cost, side effects, or other reasons

Remember, tell your doctor the truth about what you are and aren't taking. Together you can make medication adjustments that are best for your health and safety.