Taking a new medication? Here's what you should know

Starting a new medicine can bring up a lot of questions. What is it for? When do I take it? Will it work with my other medicines? It is normal to feel unsure. The good news is that you do not have to figure it out alone. Your pharmacist is one of the easiest health professionals to reach, and answering these questions is a big part of our job.

Questions to ask before you start

When you pick up a new prescription, take a moment at the counter. Here are the questions we suggest every patient ask:

• What is this medicine for, and how will I know it is working?
• How much do I take, and how often?
• Should I take it with food or on an empty stomach?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• What side effects are common, and which ones are serious?
• Does it interact with my other medicines, vitamins or supplements?
• Are there foods, drinks or activities I should avoid?
• How long will I need to take it?

There is no such thing as a silly question about your medicine. If you are wondering, ask.

Share your full list

Tell us and your doctor about everything you take, not just prescriptions. Include over the counter pain relievers, allergy pills, vitamins, herbal products and supplements. These can interact with prescription medicines in ways that surprise people. If you use more than one pharmacy, it is harder for anyone to see the full picture. Keeping everything in one place helps us catch possible problems.

Also share any allergies, past reactions to medicines, and health conditions like kidney or liver problems, pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Read the label and the information sheet

Your prescription label tells you how to take your medicine. The information sheet in your bag explains more about uses, side effects and warnings. If anything is confusing, call us. We can explain it in English or Spanish, in plain words.

Keep medicines in their original containers, store them as directed, and keep them away from children and pets.

Some medicines work right away. Others take a few weeks to show their full effect. Do not stop a medicine because you do not notice a change yet, or because you feel better, unless your doctor says it is okay. Some medicines need to be stopped slowly.

If you notice a side effect, write it down and call us. Many side effects fade as your body adjusts, and others can be managed with a simple change. Call 911 for signs of a serious reaction like trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat.

A free medication review

If you take several medicines, a free medication review is a great way to make sure everything works well together. One of our pharmacists will go over each medicine with you, answer your questions, and help you set up a routine that is easy to follow.

Call us at 661.941.4402 to schedule your free medication review.

This article is general education, not medical advice.