Medications

Note: In addition to your doctor, your oncology nurse or pharmacist are good sources of information on the questions below.

1. What is the medicine supposed to do?

2. How and when will I know if it is working?

3. How often and at what times should it be taken?

4. Does it matter whether I take it before or after a meal?

5. Are there certain liquids or foods this medicine should not be taken with?

6. Should I take all of the medicine, or stop when I feel better?

7. What if I forget to take the medicine?

8. Are refills approved for this prescription? For what reasons should I get it refilled?

9. Will this medicine create problems with the other prescription or over-the-counter medicine (or vitamins, herbs, or minerals) I’m already taking?

10. Are there any special instructions?

11. Can I take the generic drug version of this prescription and expect to get the same results?

12. Can I take my chemotherapy medicine orally? Is it the same as other types of chemotherapy?

13. Is there any printed material about this drug that I can read?

14. If I have trouble swallowing the pill, can it be chewed or crushed? If it cannot be chewed or crushed, does it come in another form such as a liquid or patch?

15. Is there someone to help me set up a system ensure that I take my medications on time and according to directions?

 

Return to Questions to Ask Your Doctor >>