Taking a new prescription can potentially be harmful for many reasons. Ask your doctor the following key questions regarding any new medications you are prescribed in the interest of your overall health and safety.
1. Why Do I Need This Drug?
Any conscientious doctor will consider every angle of their patient’s risk factors when they prescribe a new drug. Just because it works for one patient does not mean it will work for the next. It’s your job as the patient to ask your doctor every question you can think of regarding the prescription. Do you really need this drug? Is there a better, more natural option to take instead? What are the consequences if I don’t take this drug? All these questions warrant clear, sensible answers.
2. Will This Drug Interfere With My Other Medications?
In the past year, nearly one-fifth of all Americans have taken a minimum of three chronic drugs. Many patients get their prescriptions from a variety of health practitioners who are not checking for potential harmful interactions with their meds. Even though pharmacies like CNG Pharmacy Inc a MT Vernon pharmacy are quick to notify patients of hazardous drug interactions, this may not be possible if all the meds aren’t coming from the same pharmacy. Another thing to consider is how your prescription drugs may interact with mainstream over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers or allergy tablets.
3. Can I Change My Lifestyle Or Take An Older Version Of This Drug That Will Benefit Me?
You can be rest assured, every time a doctor receives a gift from a drug company, it’s because the drug is expensive, new, and there’s no cheaper generic version available. In other words, it’s a valuable commodity. Many doctors are quick to prescribe new meds without actually knowing their potentially risky track record and/or long-term benefits. This is a crucial question to ask your doctor since many times the answer will be yes. Also, how much do you trust your doctor?
4. What Are The Benefits vs. The Risks Of Taking This Drug?
Your doctor should know about any serious negative affects related to the drug in question and how often they occur along with informing you of every possible side effect. Also, you should have a clear understanding of the advantages of taking your new prescription. Weighing the benefits vs. the risks will help you better determine whether or not you really need this drug.
These are crucial questions your doctor needs to answer as well as any other questions you may have surrounding your new medication. If your doctor cannot clearly answer your questions, perhaps it’s time to seek a new doctor. After all, this is your life and your health.