Important Medical Questions

by: AndreaDow
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Word Count: 365

Tuesday, July 3rd

Have you ever been to the doctor or hospital and been given medication without really knowing its name or how it works inside your body? You are not alone. Many people are prescribed medication without asking enough questions about the drug's side effects or increased risks. It is crucial that you now the right questions to ask so that you leave with not only the right medication, but the appropriate awareness on the drug's effects.

An interesting article in O Magazine by Kathleen Slattery-Moschkau highlighted a story about a woman named Jody Fain. She had just finished breast feeding her second child and decided she wanted to go back on birth control pills. After receiving a prescription for Ortho Evra (birth control patch), she ended up in the hospital two weeks later because she had developed severe migraines. Once in the hospital she suffered from a grand mal seizure and stroke from a blood clot. Testing in the hospital revealed that the most likely cause of her problems was her birth control patch. When interviewed, Fain said that she had barely talked with her doctor regarding side effects of any increased risks and just assumed everything would be fine. This scenarios is all too common which is why The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality hopes you will ask your doctor or pharmacist the following questions about any new prescriptions. Even if your doctor seems rushed, take the initiative to start a conversation to ensure your health and safety.

1. What are the drug's generic and brand names?
2. What is it supposed to do?
3. Is it okay to substitute a less expensive generic medicine for the brand name version? Will it achieve the same effect?
4. What's the proper dosage?
5. Are there foods, supplements, drinks, medicines or activities I should avoid while taking this medicine?
6. What are the possible side effects or increased risks? What should I do if they occur?
7. What should I do if I miss a dose?
8. How many refills can I get?
9. What should I do if I accidentally take more than the recommended dose?
10. Is there any written information I can take with me?

These questions could save your life!

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