Medication Lists and Questions You Should Be Asking Your Doctor and Pharmacist Reduce Risk of Medication Errors and Adverse Drug Events Medication Chest Advisor

The Patient’s Role in Healthcare Describe health care problem Symptoms Timing Intensity Describe what has been tried Medication Diet Exercise Rest Habits that may contribute to problem Family history

Physician and Patient Communication

Barriers to Communication Environmental (noise, physical barriers, lack of privacy) Time (lack of time) Personal barriers:(discomfort with sensitive topics, shyness, negative perceptions of value of the interaction) Role perceptions Emotions

Preparing for Your Doctor Appointment 1.Write down reason for visit. a)Symptoms (timing and intensity) b)What have you tried and what happened? c)Recent experiences that may be impacting problem? -work, family, climate….. d)Concerns 2.Bring your medications or your medication list 3.Drug allergies 4.Immunizations (annual physical)

Prescription MedicationHow do you take it?What do you take it for?Questions to ask/Notes Non-Prescription Medication How do you take it?What do you take it for?Questions to ask/Notes Dietary SupplementsHow do you take it?What do you take it for?Questions to ask/Notes HerbalsHow do you take it?What do you take it for?Questions to ask/Notes Keep an updated list of your medication in your wallet. Show your doctor, pharmacist or emergency health services. Contact the Medicine Chest Advisor at if you have any questions. My Medicine List

Taking Medication As Directed About 30 to 50% of persons taking medications do not use them as prescribed Why does this happen?

Reasons for Not Taking Medication as Prescribed Forgetting to take Too busy to remember Medication regimen is too complex Do I really need it? Side effects Concern about safety Cost

Questions to ask when prescribed medication 1.What is the medicine’s name? 2.Is there a generic? 3.Why am I taking this medication? 4.How much should I take? 5.When should I take it? 6.How long am I supposed to take it? 7.Should I take this medication on empty stomach or with food? 8.Is it safe to take with alcohol? 9.If I forget to take it, what should I do? 10.What problems should I watch for? (Side effects) and what should I do if they occur? 11.If pregnant or nursing, ask if safe to take.

Follow-up to new therapy When starting new medication or a change in dose…. Use a journal to: 1.Document when medication is taken 2.Document any other changes in diet, exercise, stress, etc 3.Monitor improvements in health 4.Monitor any new symptoms (side effects)

Not at allSome- times All or most of the time Not at all Some- times All or most of the time Bad taste in mouth Heartburn Blurred vision Itching Cannot sleep Rash Chest pain or pressure Swollen ankles or Feet Cold hands or feet Tingling in fingers or feet Constipation Increased hunger Cough Nausea/upset stomach Diarrhea No appetite Difficulty urinating Nervous (anxious) Frequent urinating Nightmares Difficulty with erection/orgasm Sleepy Dizzy Tired Dry eyes Shortness of breath Dry mouth List others: Ears ringing Forgetful (more than usual) Headache Heart racing or pounding

Medicine Chest Advisor Telephone: