Don’t forget to ask: Stay informed about your meds.

Prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and supplements can play a crucial role in managing health conditions and helping you feel better. But they can also be complex and confusing. It’s important to ask questions to better understand your new or current meds. 

Ask these questions before starting a new medication. 

Have a conversation with your provider or MOBE Pharmacist before starting or stopping a med. Keep their answers handy. 

• What is this medication for? Are there alternatives?
• How does it work? 
• What outcome should I expect to get (ex: lab result, symptom relief, etc.?)
• How long will it take for me to notice a change?
• What are the common and rare side effects I might experience?
• What should I do if I don’t get the expected change or if I have a side effect?
• How long will I need to be on this medication?
• What should I expect if I stop this medication?

Ask these questions at a medication checkup.

Check in with your health care provider or MOBE Pharmacist at least twice a year to make sure your meds are still necessary, safe, and effective. 

• Am I taking something that I don’t need anymore?
• Are my current prescriptions, OTC medications, and supplements doing what they’re supposed to be doing? 
• Am I taking anything that could have a negative effect on my health—either on its own or along with something else?
• Are any of my medications treating side effects of something else I’m taking? Are there other ways to manage those side effects?
• Do I need to make changes to my medication or the dose because of recent changes to my body, health, or lifestyle?