Starting a new medication can be an important step in treating a health condition, managing symptoms or preventing future health problems. But receiving a prescription is only part of the process. Understanding what the medication is for, how to take it and what to watch for can help you use it more safely and confidently.
Every medication carries some risk of side effects or interactions, even when used correctly. Health Canada recommends asking questions, following directions carefully and making sure your healthcare provider knows about your medical history and the other medications or health products you use.
Here are some important things to know before taking your first dose.
Start with the basics. You should know the name of the medication and why it has been recommended.
Consider asking your doctor or pharmacist:
• What is this medication treating?
• What is it expected to do?
• How long might it take to start working?
• How will I know if it is working?
• How long am I expected to take it?
Some medications may begin relieving symptoms quickly, while others may take longer to have their intended effect. Health Canada recommends asking when you should expect to feel better and whether follow-up appointments or testing will be needed.
Understanding the goal of treatment can also make it easier to recognize whether things are improving as expected.
A new medication does not work in isolation. Prescription medications can interact with other prescriptions, over-the-counter products, vitamins, herbal products, certain foods and beverages. An interaction may change how a medication works or increase the chance of unwanted effects.
Before starting something new, tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist about everything you currently use, including:
• Prescription medications
• Over-the-counter medications
• Vitamins and minerals
• Herbal and natural health products
• Supplements
You should also discuss medication allergies or previous reactions and relevant health conditions. Health Canada advises telling your healthcare professional if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy as well.
Keeping an up-to-date medication list can make these conversations easier, particularly if you see several healthcare providers.
Instructions can vary considerably from one medication to another. Before leaving your appointment or pharmacy, make sure you understand:
• How much to take
• How often to take it
• What time of day to take it
• Whether it should be taken with or without food
• How long you should take it
• How it should be stored
Also ask what you should do if you accidentally miss a dose. Do not assume that taking an extra dose is the right solution. Health Canada recommends following the directions provided by your doctor or pharmacist and knowing what to do when a dose is missed.
If the instructions on the label are unclear, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider before taking the medication.
Medications can cause unwanted effects, although not everyone will experience them. Side effects can range from relatively mild problems, such as stomach upset or drowsiness, to less common but more serious reactions.
Ask:
• What are the most common side effects?
• Which side effects may improve with time?
• Is there anything I can do to reduce them?
• Which symptoms should I report?
• Are there symptoms that require urgent medical attention?
Knowing what to expect can help you distinguish between an anticipated side effect and something that should be assessed.
If you experience a new or concerning reaction, contact a healthcare professional.
Something as ordinary as another cold medicine, supplement or food could matter when you start a new medication.
For example, certain medications can interact with particular foods or beverages, and combining medications that contain the same active ingredient could result in taking more than intended. Health Canada notes that products sold under different brand names can sometimes contain the same medicinal ingredient.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you need to avoid:
• Alcohol
• Particular foods or beverages
• Certain supplements or herbal products
• Over-the-counter pain, allergy or cold medications
• Other prescription medications
This is especially important when several medications are being taken at the same time.
Starting a medication is not always the end of the treatment process.
Depending on the medication and condition being treated, your healthcare provider may want to assess how well it is working, discuss side effects, adjust the dose or arrange testing.
Consider asking:
• When should I follow up?
• Will I need bloodwork or other testing?
• Could my dose change over time?
• What should I do if the medication does not seem to be working?
• Who should I contact if I have questions between appointments?
If you are unsure when you are supposed to follow up, ask before you leave your appointment.
If you start feeling better, develop a side effect or feel that a medication is not helping, you may be tempted to change the dose or stop taking it.
For some medications, suddenly stopping can create problems. The appropriate next step depends on the medication and your individual circumstances.
If something does not feel right, speak with your doctor or pharmacist before changing how you take the medication.
One of the simplest medication-safety habits is maintaining a list of everything you take.
Your list can include:
• Medication name
• Dose
• When and how often you take it
• Over-the-counter medications
• Vitamins and supplements
• Herbal and natural health products
• Medication allergies
• Previous serious medication reactions
Keep the list current and consider bringing it to medical appointments or having a copy available on your phone.
Health Canada also recommends using the same pharmacy for your prescriptions when possible, since having a more complete medication history can help pharmacists identify potential interactions.
Before starting a medication, make sure you can answer these five simple questions:
• Why am I taking it?
• How and when should I take it?
• Could it interact with anything else I use?
• What side effects should I watch for?
• When should I follow up?
Asking questions does not mean you are questioning your treatment. It helps make sure you understand how to use your medication safely.
Medications can play an important role in preventing illness, treating health conditions and improving quality of life. Taking a few minutes to understand a new medication can help you know what to expect and recognize when you may need additional guidance.
Keep your medication information current, follow the instructions provided and speak with a healthcare professional whenever something is unclear.
If you have questions about a new medication or changes to your treatment, MembersHealth can help you connect with physician-led care. Depending on your clinical needs, MembersHealth physicians can assess your concern, discuss treatment options and support prescription-related care and follow-up.