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Consumer Information

MEDICATION QUESTION GUIDE


Ask your health care provider these questions about each new medicine which is recommended or prescribed. Write the answers in the spaces provided.

Use a separate sheet for each medicine.

Name of Medicine______________________________________

  • What are the brand and generic names of the medicine? Can I use a generic form?
  • What is the medicine for and what effect should I expect?
  • Does this drug replace any other medicine I have been using?
  • How and when will I use it, what amount will I use, and for how long?
  • What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • Should I avoid any other medicines, (prescription or over-the-counter), dietary supplements, drinks, foods or activities while using this drug?
  • When should I notice a difference or improvement? When should I report back.
  • Will I need to have any testing to monitor this drug's effects?
  • Can this medicine be used safely with all my other medications and therapies? Could there be interactions?
  • What are the possible side effects? What do I do if a side effect occurs?
  • How and where do I store this medicine?
  • Where and how can I get written information about this medicine? What other sources of information can I use to learn about this medicine?

Call 1-888-INFO-FDA or go to http://www.fda.gov/cder/consumerinfo/active_member.htm  

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FDA/Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
Last Updated: October 09, 2001
Originator: OTCOM/DLIS
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