How to Ask the Right Questions and Get the Most from Your Medicines
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…
- Consider Generic Drugs
Generic drugs have the same medical effect as brand-name drugs, but usually cost less. Ask your doctor about generics. - 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. AARP offers a consumer guide that summarizes and compares evidence about some drugs for many common conditions. - 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.
Download our free educational guide or call 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277).
When Talking to Your Doctor or Pharmacist, Always:
- Share the names of all your medicines.
- Ask about any possible side effects.
- Question if there are any alternatives.
Medicare will soon offer insurance coverage to help people pay for prescription drugs. The new program, known as Medicare Part D, will start January 1, 2006. To help you understand this new coverage, AARP has two basic publications: "What You Need to Know: The New Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage," and "Extra Help for People With Limited Incomes: The New Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage," and a series of supplemental facts sheets that provide more in depth information about the new coverage. "How to Ask the Right Questions and Get the Most From Your Medicines" is one of these fact sheets.
