Talking to your doctor

1. Take responsibility for your own health by talking freely with your doctor about your medications. Remember, you are the one who is taking the medicines.

2. Carry a record of all your medications at all times and bring it to each visit.

3. Know what you take and why you take it.

4. Tell you doctor about any non-prescription (OTC) drugs or dietary supplements (herbs, vitamins) you are taking.

5. Take notes if it helps you.

6. Ask about the cost of prescriptions. Perhaps a generic drugs could be prescribed instead.

7. If you are taking drugs are several different times a day, ask if it is possible to take any of your medications as a single daily dose. Ask what will happen if you miss a dose and how you should make it up.

8. Ask about any possible side effects and what to do if they occur.

9. Ask if there are any special instructions about taking a particular medicine, such as time of day, with or without food or drink, or if there is anything you should avoid while on the drug.

10. If you don't understand something, ask for an explanation - don't be shy!

Don't pressure your doctor to prescribe a drug just because you saw it advertised on TV. Drugs are often not tested on older adults and side effects may not become apparent until the drug has been on the market for a year or two. Your doctor may be reluctant to prescribe brand new drugs without knowing how they effect older adults.

Discuss alternatives to drugs, if appropriate. Certain conditions can be lessened or even reversed by alterations in diet, exercise or other behaviors. Don't be embarrased about asking questions - you are the main person responsible for your health and taking medicines safely so the more knowledge you have the better you can make decisions about your health care.

Disclaimer: The material in this web site is provided for purposes of disseminating information on prescription drugs for public benefit, education and information only. It should not replace or substitute for advice from your physician, pharmacist or other health care professionals. The authors are not responsible for information presented on outside web sites linked to this site.