| Understanding Your Prescription |
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10 Questions to Ask About a New Prescription
- What's the name of the drug you're prescribing?
- Is a less expensive generic version of this drug available?
- Could I save by splitting a larger dose?
- How much and how often will I take this drug?
- What time of day and relationship to meals should I take this drug?
- What side effects might I expect? What should I do?
- Is it safe to take with other drugs or supplements?
- What do I do if I miss a dose?
- How long will I take the drug? How will it be monitored?
- Do I need to finish the entire dose schedule you have prescribed?
How do I read my prescription?
Adapted from Talking With Your Doctor: A Guide For Older People. National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health. September 2000.
When your doctor writes you a prescription, it is important that you are able to read and understand the directions for taking the medication. Often doctors or pharmacists use abbreviations that may not be familiar. The following are a list of some of these abbreviations and what they mean.
ea. -- each t.i.d. -- three times a day
p.o. -- by mouth q.i.d. -- four times a day
p.r.n. -- as needed h.s. -- at bedtime
q.d. -- every day a.c. -- before meals
b.i.d. -- twice a day p.c. -- after meals
Remember to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your medications or how you should take them. Some questions to ask include:
- What are the common side effects for this medication?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- Are there foods, other drugs (including over-the-counter medications), or activities I should avoid while taking this medicine?
- Ask your pharmacist what times to take the medication. Should you take it with, before or after meals?
CONSUMER'S LINKS
Oregon´s Research
Reducing Your Costs
Your Prescription
Help Paying for Medicines
Generic Drugs
Using Medicine Safely
Insurance/Medicare
Canadian Drugs
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