Important Questions to Talk Over with Your Patients

Answers patients need, but may not know how or who to ask.

1. Do you have any allergies?
2. Do you know the name of the drug they were prescribed or what it looks like?
3. Do you know what this medication is for and why it was prescribed?
4. Do you know how and when to take this medication?
5. Do you know how long to take this medication for?
6. Do you know what will happen if he/she does not take this medication as prescribed?
7. Do you know when to expect the medication to work or that he/she will notice results?
8. Do you know what side effects to expect?
9. What other medications are you taking, including over-the-counter, prescription, vitamins and herbal supplements?
   • Are there any interactions with this new medication the patient needs to be aware of?
   • Did they advise their healthcare provider that they were taking these?
10. Do you know what to do if he/she has a problem with this medication?
11. How do you plan to pay for the medication? Insurance, cash, other?
12. Do you know that taking this medication means they need not take another older medication?
13. Are you aware of the possible interactions with food, alcohol or physical activities?
14. Are you aware that there may be pregnancy or breast-feeding implications for this medication?
15. Are you aware of the regular tests required with taking this medication, such as blood work, bone density scans, etc?
16. Were you informed of the benefits AND the risks of taking this medication, or given an alternative choice?
17. Are you aware of the proper storage and disposal for this medication?
18. Have you created a complete medication list?
    • Does it include their vaccinations?
    • Do you carry it with you?
19. Are you up to date on their immunization status?
20. Do you know my first name or the names of the other pharmacists here?
    • Is this the only pharmacy you are using?