Starting a new medication can be overwhelming, especially if it’s for a long-term condition or has potential side effects. To ensure you feel confident about your treatment plan, it’s essential to have an open conversation with your doctor. Here are the top questions to ask before starting a new medication:
What is the purpose of this medication?
It’s crucial to understand exactly why the medication has been prescribed and what it is intended to treat. Ask your doctor:
⦁ “What condition is this medication for?”
⦁ “How does it work in my body to address the issue?”
Understanding the medication’s purpose can help you manage your expectations and monitor its effectiveness and safety.
How should I take this medication?
Clarifying the proper way to take the medication is key to ensuring it works as intended. Important questions to ask include:
⦁ “What is the recommended dosage?”
⦁ “Should I take it with food or on an empty stomach?”
⦁ “Is there a particular time of day I should take it?”
⦁ “How much time should I wait after taking my other medication(s) before taking this one?”
Some medications work best when taken under specific conditions, so make sure you understand the correct instructions.
What are the potential side effects?
Every medication has possible side effects (also called adverse events), and it’s important to be aware of what they are and how likely they are to occur. Be sure to ask:
- What are the common side effects?
- What are the side effects most common for my sex/age/race/ethnicity?
- Are there any serious side effects I should be aware of?
- What should I do if I experience side effects?
- What are the long-term effects of this new medication if I am to take it for longer than 1 year?
Most drugs are tested before they are approved for up to 2 years of use, and those studies consist of hundreds, sometimes thousands of participants. If the new drug you have been prescribed has been taken by thousands of patients for more than 2 years, there may be new side effects not identified in the studies. Ask your doctor about the effects faced by patients who have been on the drug for more than 1 or 2 years. Examples of possible long-term side effects of drugs include beta-blockers (such as atenolol) and disorientation and difficulty concentrating, and corticosteroids (such as prednisone) and decreased bone density. This will help you and your doctor work together to optimally manage your disease in the long term.
Knowing what to expect can help you differentiate between common, mild reactions and more severe issues that may require immediate medical attention.
How long will it take to work?
Some medications provide quick relief, while others may take weeks or even months to reach full effectiveness. Ask:
- When can I expect to start seeing results?
- If I don’t notice any improvement, when should I follow up with you?
Understanding the timeline can help set realistic expectations and prevent unnecessary worry if improvement isn’t immediate.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
It’s easy to forget a dose, especially with a new medication. However, handling missed doses incorrectly can affect how well the medication works. Make sure to ask:
- What should I do if I forget to take my medication?
- Should I double up on the next dose or skip it?
This will help you avoid potential complications from accidentally taking too much or too little of your medication.
Are there any interactions I should be aware of?
Certain foods, drinks, or other medications can interact with your new prescription, potentially reducing its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Ask your doctor:
- Are there any foods, drinks, or supplements I should avoid?
Certain drugs may have an increased or decreased effect when combined with foods or supplements, and these may include foods you enjoy on a regular basis. Asking this question upfront will enable you to plan meals and identify substitutes. You can also ask how far to space out the food consumption from the administration of the drug. Examples of these interactions include:
Caffeinated drinks with anticoagulants such as warfarin
High-potassium foods (e.g., bananas, legumes) and drugs which increase blood potassium (e.g. ACE inhibitors for hypertension)
Grapefruit juice and statins (e.g. atorvastatin [Lipitor])
Dairy and some antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin (Cipro), doxycycline) - Will this medication interact with any of my current prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs?
- How does this medication work differently than the other ones I have been prescribed?
Providing your doctor with a list of everything you’re currently taking will ensure they can check for possible interactions. If your doctor has prescribed you additional medication for your disease, ask how this new medication works differently than the other ones prescribed for the same disease. This will help you better understand how your drugs work together, more specifically, if the effect of both/all drugs may be too strong. For example, if you are already on sulfonylurea for your diabetes, adding an SGLT-2 inhibitor will lower blood sugar even more as an intended effect, but will increase hypoglycemia. Ask your doctor if the dose of your previous medication needs to be changed when starting the new medication.
How long will I need to take this medication?
Understanding the duration of treatment is important for planning and managing your health. Ask:
- Is this a short-term or long-term medication?
- Will I need regular check-ups to evaluate its effectiveness?
- Is there a possibility I’ll need to adjust the dosage or stop taking it in the future?
Knowing whether this is a lifelong commitment, or a temporary solution can help you mentally and logistically prepare.
Are there any alternatives to this medication?
Sometimes, there may be different options for treating your condition. If you’re unsure about starting a particular medication, ask:
- Are there non-medication treatments available?
- Are there other medications that could work just as well?
This can help you feel confident that you’re exploring all of your options.
What should I monitor while on this medication?
Some medications require regular monitoring of symptoms or even lab tests to ensure they are working correctly and not causing harm. Be sure to ask:
- Are there any specific symptoms or changes I should watch for?
- Do I need any blood tests or check-ups while on this medication?
- How do I know my medication is working?
Knowing what to monitor can help you take an active role in your treatment and catch any potential issues early.
How will this medication affect my daily life?
Certain medications can impact your daily activities, including your ability to drive, work, or exercise. Ask your doctor:
- Will this medication affect my ability to perform certain tasks?
- Are there any lifestyle changes I should consider while taking this medication?
- If I get sick, or I’m hospitalized, or undergo surgery, do I stop taking this medication?
This question will help you plan ahead and make any necessary adjustments to your routine or any disruptions to your daily life.
Conclusion
Taking a new medication can feel daunting, but asking the right questions can empower you to take control of your health. Open communication with your doctor is key to ensuring that you’re fully informed and comfortable with your treatment plan. By addressing these questions, you’ll be well-prepared to start your new medication with confidence.
