Medications-prescription, non-prescription, and herbal remedies-are meant to help you feel better. If they are not taken properly they may make you feel worse. You can take an active role in managing your own health. Ask your pharmacist questions. Here are some suggestions.

For a first-time prescription …

• Why do I need to take this medication?
• When and how should I take my medication?
• How will I know if my medication is working?
• What should I do if I experience a side effect?
• Will this medication affect any others I am taking? (Remember to ask about prescription, non-prescription, and herbal remedies that your pharmacist may not be aware you are taking.)
• Are there any special instructions (food, alcohol, etc.)?
• Is there any information that I can take home?
• When do my refills expire?
• What should I do with medication I no longer need?

Back for a refill …

• Has the shape, colour, name, or strength of my medication changed?
• Have the instructions for taking my medication changed?
• Will this medication affect any others I am taking? (Remember to ask about prescription, non-prescription, and herbal remedies that your pharmacist may not be aware you are taking.)
• Are there any special instructions (food, alcohol, etc.)?
• What can I do if I run out of medication?
• When do my refills expire?

Helpful Tips

• When you or someone on your behalf picks up your prescription, you should be sure that the medication is what you expect before you take it. If there are any differences (in shape, colour, name, directions, or strength) from what you had before or if you have questions, call your pharmacist immediately.
• Your doctor and pharmacist should know about any allergies you have.
• Always ask your doctor or pharmacist before stopping a prescription medication. Some medications should not be stopped abruptly, and if you have more than one prescription, stopping one medicine may require a change in the others.
• If you have difficulty remembering to take your medication your pharmacist can recommend ways to assist you.
• If you have difficulty opening “child-resistant” tops your pharmacist can provide “easy-to-open” tops, but you must ask.
• Carrying an up-to-date list of your medications by name (including prescription, non-prescription, and herbal remedies) can be helpful to you and your health care providers.
• Temperature extremes can spoil many drug products. Try to keep your medicine cool, dry, and shaded from the sun. Don’t keep your medication in the bathroom.
• Many pharmacies offer clinics (such as blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, asthma, foot care), which can help you monitor your health or detect early symptoms.
• Many pharmacies offer in-store patient libraries with helpful videos and printed information about a wide range of topics.
• Many pharmacies have a patient call-back program, which provides a chance to ask questions or give an update on your medication.