Looking for a list of questions to ask your PCP, or primary care provider, when you are in need of one or more new prescriptions? Read on for some helpful suggestions. Many patients will simply accept their primary care physician's recommendation for a new medical prescription without asking any questions. While this does suggest that they fully trust their PCP, which is important when it comes to establishing a long-term relationship, it is still recommended for patients to ask questions about any new medications they are prescribed. The more someone understands about any medications they need to take to support their overall good health, the better.
The following is a list of some of the more important questions someone should ask their PCP when they are prescribed one or more new prescriptions:
It is important for patients to understand what the medicine does as well as why their PCP is prescribing that particular medication to them. The answer should be one that is easy to understand and include specifics on how the medicine will help the patient get better.
Many medications require patients to avoid doing certain things, like driving or over-exerting themselves, making it essential that this is fully understood before taking the medication. There are also some types of foods that can get in the way of a medication's ability to work properly, making it necessary to understand what these foods are before taking a certain medication.
This is a very important question as a patient should understand the timeframe in which they can expect to know whether or not the medication is indeed working for them. Some medications treat the underlying cause of the ailment, while others just alleviate the symptoms. Certain medications have an immediate impact, while others take longer to work. Knowing the anticipated outcome and how long it will take to achieve it is critical in determining whether or not the medicine is functioning as planned.
Even though each medication will come with a sheet of information regarding its side effects, a PCP can provide more detailed information about any potential side effects. Side effects may range from small irritations to life-threatening dangers. For instance, Warfarin, a blood-thinning medicine, may cause bleeding in the gums when brushing the teeth. This is a low-risk adverse effect, but Warfarin may potentially induce serious side effects that need emergency medical treatment.
Patients need to know what to do if they experience serious side effects when taking a medication prescribed by their doctor. If adverse effects occur from using the prescription, patients need to consult the doctor before discontinuing use.
Patients should inform the doctor about any medicines they use, including nonprescription ones like painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs (such ibuprofen and acetaminophen), laxatives, and vitamins. Medication interactions are a real possibility while using prescription drugs. The pharmacist can help patients who are concerned about possible medication interactions.
While missing a dose of medication will not often cause someone to experience any negative repercussions, missing a dose of some medications will reduce their overall effectiveness. This makes it essential to ask a PCP what happens after missing a dose of medicine. For instance, missing one day of prescribed birth control tablets may lead to an increased risk of becoming pregnant. Some antibiotics may also be less effective if patients fail to complete their dose.
Each prescription offers different instructions on how to handle a missed dosage. It is advisable to consult the physician about the details of these recommendations. Patients who are prone to forgetting to take their prescription can try using a pillbox or a calendar to stay on top of things.
Now that you understand the importance of asking a PCP about any prescriptions you are prescribed, do you have any questions for us? You need to understand things like why a medication is prescribed to you and how it will affect you when taking it, both short-term and long-term.
You also want to be sure that you are prescribed the correct medication for your particular health issue, as many different types of medications are available nowadays. Please do not hesitate to contact us with your questions or to make an appointment.
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