New Medicines:
Questions to ask the Doctor?
Ask the following questions if your doctor recommends a new medicine for your health condition.
General Questions:
What is the name of the medicine?_______________________________________________________________________ Brand name (trade name) Generic name (chemical name)?
What will the medicine do (for example, decrease blood pressure)? ____________________________________________
Why do I need this medicine? ____________________________________________________________________________
Are there any other medicine or treatment options? _________________________________________________________
Is medicine covered by my provincial health plan? __________________________________________________________
Is a generic form of the medicine available and appropriate for me? ___________________________________________
Can I start with a prescription for a few days to make sure the medicine agrees with me? _________________________
Questions to ask about taking this Medicine?
How is the medicine taken (for example, orally [by mouth] or through a skin patch)? _____________________________
What amount do I take each time (dose)? __________________________________________________________________
How often should it be taken (for example, 3 times a day)? ___________________________________________________
When? ________________________________________________________________________________________________
1 Should I take it with or without food? _____________________________________________________________________
What should I avoid while taking it (for example, certain foods, activities, other medicines, or alcohol)? ______________
Will it interact with other medicines I am currently taking or other medical conditions? ____________________________
Yes No If yes, what might occur? _________________________________________________________________________
What are the common side effects (those that do not usually cause problems)? ___________________________________
What side effects should I report if I experience them? _______________________________________________________
What do I do if I miss a dose? ____________________________________________________________________________
How long will I need to take this medicine (days, weeks, months)? _____________________________________________
How will I know that the medicine is helping? _______________________________________________________________
What is the next step if this medicine doesn’t work? __________________________________________________________
Reminders
• Be sure you understand your doctor’s instructions. _________________________________________________________
• State any concerns you have about taking the medicine. ____________________________________________________
For example, ask if “4 doses daily” means taking a dose every 6 hours around the clock or just during regular waking hours. _______________________________________________________________________________________________
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