Questions are the Answer, Make Sure You Know Your Medication

An important part of managing your own health is to make sure you know all the medications you are taking and why you are taking them. Knowing about your medications can help prevent mistakes, such as taking too much of a particular medication. Every time you get a new prescription, make sure you get the answers to these five questions:

  1. What is the name of the medication? (both brand and generic)
  2. Why am I taking it?
  3. How much do I take? (Strength? How much? How often? How long?)
  4. What do I do if I miss a dose?
  5. What are the most common side effects?

You can download a copy of these questions to bring to your next office visit at https://www.ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/patient-involvement/ask-your-doctor/tips-and-tools/yourmedques.html external link icon. If you do not have time to ask your doctor these questions, others on your care team can give you the answers! Your nurse, physician assistant, or pharmacist can help

Because the Maine Diabetes Prevention and Control Program cares about your health, we have become part of Quality Counts for ME. Quality Counts for ME is a statewide effort working to improve healthcare quality in the state. For more information about Quality Counts for ME, please visit www.mainequalitycounts.org external link icon