Ask the Right Questions — and Get the Most from Your Medicines

If you're like most older adults, you take prescription drugs to maintain your health or treat a condition.

See also: Have a medication question? Ask the pharmacist.

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 medication called?
  
• What is the medication supposed to do?
  
• What are the side effects of the medication?
• When do I start and stop taking the medication?
  
• How do I take the medicine? (e.g. With or without food?)
  
• Will the 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 I can use instead?
  
• How does this medicine compare to others in terms of safety, effectiveness and price?
  

Conversation is the Best Medicine

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

What to Say

It's important for you to tell your doctor about all the medications you take – including prescriptions, over-the-counter products, and vitamins and herbal supplements. The best way to keep track of your medications, and help keep your doctor and pharmacist informed, is to create a list or a personal medication record (PMR) that includes details about the drugs you take, their dosages and how you take them.

See the box at the bottom of this page for how to print or order a Personal Medication Record form from AARP.

Share Your Personal Medication Record

• After completing the Personal Medication Record form with information about the medications you take, make copies of the record. Be sure to list the vitamins or supplements you use, and include information about any drug allergies, side effects, or sensitivities you have.
• Give a copy of your Personal Medication Record to your doctor, your pharmacist, and a friend or family member. Carry one record with you and keep a copy at home.
• Keep your Personal Medication Record updated. Make note of any new medications or those you have stopped taking. (You may want to write in pencil or keep a blank copy of the form so you can update your medication information with ease.) 

Next: Find more resources for managing your medications. >>