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

Whether you have recently started a new medication or have been taking one for a while, it's important to fully understand the medication's side effects, any interactions, and the proper instructions.

Starting a new medicine can bring up a lot of questions. What is it for? When should I take it? What if I forget? Taking a few minutes to understand your prescription helps it work the way your doctor intended.

Questions to ask before you leave

Your pharmacist is there to help you understand your medicine. Here are good questions to ask when you pick up something new:

• What is this medicine for, and how will I know it is working?
• When and how should I take it? With food or without?
• What side effects are common, and which ones are serious?
• Does it interact with my other medicines, supplements or foods?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• How should I store it?

Share your full list

Interactions are one of the most common medicine problems, and they are often preventable. Tell your pharmacist and doctor about everything you take, including vitamins, herbal products, and over the counter medicines. Using one pharmacy for all your prescriptions also helps, since we can see the whole picture.

The best question is the one you ask before the first dose.

Making it part of your routine

A new medicine works best when you take it the same way every day. Link it to something you already do, like brushing your teeth or making coffee. Use a phone alarm or a weekly pill organizer. If you take several medicines, ask us about Med Packs, where your doses are sorted by day and time, and synced refills so everything is ready together.

Do not stop a medicine early just because you feel better, unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines need time to work, and stopping suddenly can cause problems.

If something does not feel right

Call us if you notice anything new or unexpected after starting a medicine. Seek emergency care for signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing.

If a medicine is hard to swallow or tastes bad, let us know. Sometimes a different form is possible. At CarePoint, we take the time to walk you through every new prescription.

Keep the printed information that comes with your prescription in a safe place, and read it when you get home. It lists the uses, warnings and storage instructions in one spot. If any of it is confusing or the print is too small, bring it back and we will go through it together. We also offer help in Spanish if that is easier for you or your family.

Have questions about anything in this article? Call us at 661.480.2373 and talk with a CarePoint pharmacist. We are happy to help, and there is never a charge for a conversation.

This article is general education, not medical advice.