Your healthcare team is here to help you get better. Here are some ways you can help.
Tell us...
Be sure to let us know about:
- Prescription medications you have been taking
- Over-the-counter medications that you are using, or commonly use for pain, headaches, cough and cold and other ailments.
- Use of natural remedies or alternative medications, that you are using
- Use of recreational drugs, if any
- Any concerns or questions you have about your medications
- As much information as you may have or can remember about allergies or reactions to medications you may have had in the past
- Your diet, including foods and beverages you commonly eat or drink
- Before receiving medication, a treatment or any service, be sure the armband has your name and other information can be checked.
Ask us...
Some questions you should ask before receiving medications:
- What is the name of this medication? Is this the brand name or the generic name?
- What is it for?
- How much should I get, and how often?
- What possible side effects are there?
- Do you have anything I can read about this medication?
- If this medication is unfamiliar or new to you, also ask:
- Will this be replacing anything I was taking before I came in?
- What possible side effects are there?
- Has this medication been on the market for more than a year?
- If you notice anything different that catches your attention, ask.
Example 1: You receive four tablets in the morning instead of two (you might be receiving a new medication that you might want to learn about)
Example 2:The medication you have been taking for blood pressure was always a blue tablet, but today you have a white one (could be a generic version of the same medication)
Please ask any questions you may have about your medications and other treatments.
