What should I expect to be told about any newly prescribed medication?

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What should I expect to be told about any newly prescribed medication?

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Louise Chang, MD

Internal Medicine

Medical Editor, WebMD

43 Answers
238 Helpful Votes
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When it comes to medication, what you don’t know can definitely hurt you. Almost half of all Americans regularly take at least one prescription drug, and half of older patients take three or more, according to a report released in 2004 by the National Center on Health Statistics. But doctors don’t always communicate critical information about the medications they prescribe. And prescription drug misuse is a growing problem, contributing to thousands of deaths each year.

According to recommendations from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), always ask:

The name of the medication, and whether the drug is a trade medication or generic
Why the drug is being prescribed
How, when, and how long to take the medication
The drug’s possible adverse side effects and what to do if they occur
When to expect the medication to work, and how to tell if it is working
If any foods, herbal supplements, and other medications should be avoided while taking the drug

This answer should not be considered medical advice...This answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.

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