Your prescription: Ask your pharmacist

Your pharmacist has years of advanced training about how medicine works. Talking to your pharmacist is one of the best ways to learn how to use your medicine correctly and get the best results possible from your treatment.

• Keep a list of all the medicine you take. Include prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, herbal products and other dietary supplements. Share this list with your pharmacist and all your health care providers.

• When you get a new prescription, ask your pharmacist:

• What is the name of this medicine?

• What is it supposed to do?

• When will it start working?

• How long do I need to take it? Can I stop taking it if I feel better?

• What side effects should I watch out for? When should I report them? Who should I report them to?



• When and how should I take it?

• Do I need to avoid any food, drinks or activities?

• Will it interact with other drugs I am taking, including over-the-counter and herbal supplements?

• What should I do if I forget to take a dose?

• How do I safely store the medication and dispose of any I don’t use?

Even if you don’t have a new prescription, it’s a great idea to talk with your pharmacist about all your medicines.