Your Medications

The Chronic Pain Association of Canada suggests the following questions be asked when filling a new prescription at your pharmacy - for yourself or for your loved one:

• Always use the same pharmacy and make sure any nonprescription medicine is recorded in the pharmacy computer system
• Ask the name of the new medication and what is it supposed to do?  Is this the brand name or the generic name?
• What foods, drink, other medicintes, or activities should be avoided while taking this medication?
• Are there any side effects, and what do I do if they occur?
• Will this new prescription work safely with the other prescription and nonprescription medicines that I am taking?
• Is there any written information available about this medicine? (if needed - is it available in large print or in a language other than English?)
• If later you think of a question you did not ask, call the pharmacist to follow up.

Take the medicine as directed by the doctor and the pharmacist.  Keep track of what is working, how you feel, and what you feel is important to share at your next visit.

Be Involved

As a medication consumer, it is your responsibility to discuss your questions and concerns with your healthcare provider and pharmacist and the right to have your quesitons and concerns addressed.  It is your responsibilty to help in the management of your or your loved one's condition.