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Sterling
Green
A United Community
Channelview, Texas
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When your doctor
hands you a new prescription . . .
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When your doctor hands you a new prescription, it becomes your responsibility to know what the medication is for, how to take it, and what possible side effects might occur. Here are 10 tips for what you should do when given a new prescription that will help to ensure your safety and understanding.
1 - Know the Name of the Drug and Directions
When your doctor prescribes a new medication for you, have the doctor clearly pronounce the name of the drug and spell it. Write it down on a notepad in your own handwriting. Write down the strength and directions for using the drug in your own handwriting as well. When you are handed the written prescription by the doctor, compare it to your notes and make sure the information matches.
2 -
Repeat the Directions
Before you leave your doctor's office,
repeat the directions for using the new medication back to your doctor.
This will demonstrate that you fully understand how you should be taking the drug. By stating how often you should take it, with food or no food, or any other special directions, you can feel certain you understand. Don't be shy about taking an extra 10 seconds with your doctor for clarification.
3 -
Reason for the Prescription
Do you know specifically why your doctor
is prescribing this particular medication for you? It's the right time
to ask why the doctor chose this drug for you and how the doctor expects
you will benefit by using it. Some people don't bother to find out why
they are taking a certain prescription. It's your responsibility to ask
if you haven't already been told. By knowing the expected benefit, it
will help you remain compliant with the medication schedule.
4 -
Establish a Time Frame
Discuss a time frame with your doctor.
How long before you should expect to notice improvement? What is a
reasonable time to wait before giving up on the drug and trying
something else? By establishing a plan and real goals, you will be
inclined to be compliant with taking the new medication and give it a
chance to work.
5 -
Ask for Samples
Prescription drugs are expensive. Before
investing a lot of money in a drug that may prove to be effective or
ineffective - you won't know until you try - ask your doctor if he has
samples of the drug. Trial samples will help you decide if the drug is
one you want to continue with before laying out your cash.
6 -
List of All of Your Medications
Make a complete list of all medications
and supplements which you are currently taking. Update your list when
medication changes are made. Be sure that all of your doctors and your
pharmacist have the most current list of your medications. It is
imperative that doctors and pharmacists share the same list so they can
be alert to any possible drug interactions or important details about
your medications.
7 -
Monitoring Drug Effectiveness
Ask your doctor to explain how the
effectiveness of the new medication will be monitored. How will your
doctor know it is working? Will you need periodic blood tests? It's
important for you to fully understand the plan for determining the
drug's benefit.
8 -
Keep a Symptom Diary
You can help your doctor track your
progress by keeping a symptom diary. In a journal, write down the date,
times of day you take your medications, how you feel before and after
you take them, and make notes of other pertinent details or questions
you have formulated. Show your journal/symptom diary to your doctor at
your next appointment. It will be much more efficient than trying to
recall the details.
9 -
Learn About Your Medications
Learn about your medications from
excellent drug resources on the Internet. You can look up indications,
side effects, interactions, warnings and more. Decisions about your
health should be based on knowledge.
10 -
Be Realistic About Your Expectations
Even after you know what the medication
is expected to do and how long it might take for noticeable improvement
to occur, don't expect a miracle. Arthritis cannot be cured but it can
be managed. Realize that there are benefits and risks associated with
every medication or treatment. Prepare for the next step, along with
your doctor, in case you fail this medication. Be compliant with
treatment but be open to adapting your treatment plan as needed.
Posted by: Ron Martin