Questions To Ask Your Doctor, Nurse Practitioner Or Pharmacist Before Starting A New Medicine

Before you start a new medication, ask some key questions like what is the medicine for? How long do you need to take it? Are there any side effects? Can you take it with other medicines? Asking these questions helps you make informed decisions about your own healthcare.

Healthdirect is an organisation funded by the Australian Government to provide free, 24/7 health information and advice to all Australians(1). For patients taking any new medicine, they recommend asking about the benefits, side effects, alternatives, costs and practical implications of a medicine before you start taking it.

You don’t have to know the medical terms or exactly what to ask. Your healthcare provider should be able to explain everything in plain language, and if you still don’t understand or think you’ll forget, ask them to repeat or write down what’s important.

Why am I being prescribed this medicine?

Start with the reason for the medicine.

Ask which condition it treats and what the expected benefit is? Some medicines are prescribed to reduce symptoms, while others control ongoing conditions or reduce the risk of future health problems.

You can also ask how to tell if the medicine is having the intended effect. Some medicines act quickly, while others take much longer before they work. Knowing if you’re achieving your treatment goals gives you a better idea of what to discuss at follow-up consultations.

Are there possible side effects?

A side effect is an unexpected effect from taking a medicine. Not everybody experiences them, and their nature and severity may vary. Ask if there are any common ones, or if there are any less common ones that could require medical attention. Also ask what to do if a particular side effect occurs, and if it might settle as your body adjusts to the medicine.

In Australia, prescription medicines come with Consumer Medicine Information, commonly called a CMI(2). This provides information about the medicine, including known side effects, interactions, and instructions for use. Your Doctor or Pharmacist can help you find and understand a medicine's CMI.

Could it interact with anything else I take?

Tell your Doctor about any medicine you’re currently using. This includes prescription medicines, medicines bought from a chemist or supermarket, vitamins, herbal products and other complementary medicines(3).

Medicines can sometimes change how others work, or alter their side effects. This is called a medicine interaction. Interactions can also occur with certain drinks, alcohol, and even common foods including citrus and dairy products(4).

Healthdirect recommends bringing a complete list of the medicines you're using to an appointment.

How and when should I take it?

Knowing the correct dose is just a part of using a medicine correctly.

Make sure your clinician has given instructions on how often and what time of day it should be taken, and whether you should eat or drink when you take it. Find out what to do if you forget a dose. And don’t forget to ask if the medicine needs specific storage conditions like refrigeration.

You should also ask how long you need to keep taking it. Some medicines are used for a short period, while others are taken for a much longer time.

Don’t stop taking the medicine as soon as you’re feeling better. Some medicines lose their effectiveness if they’re stopped suddenly. If you’re thinking about changing your dose or stopping your prescription, talk with your Doctor first.

Can I drive, work or drink alcohol while taking it?

A new medicine can affect everyday activities, so ask about any restrictions before you start.

Some medicines can cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, confusion or slower reactions. These effects can interfere with driving and other activities requiring concentration and coordination(5). You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist about driving when starting a new medicine(6).

Alcohol can also interact with medicines and change the effects of either. Ask whether drinking is safe while taking your medicine rather than assuming that a small amount will be harmless.

What are my other options?

Being prescribed a medicine does not prevent you from asking about other approaches.

If you're prescribed a medication, ask about other options including different medicines, therapy, or lifestyle approaches.

You can also ask what might happen if you decide not to take the medicine. This depends on your health and the reason you’re considering treatment. Some conditions will heal without treatment, while others will worsen or lead to long-term harm if they’re left untreated. Understanding the difference helps you make better decisions about your health.

Are there other questions that apply to me?

Your circumstances may raise questions that aren’t relevant to others taking the same medicine.

For example, discuss your overall health plans and ask questions like “is the medicine safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding”.

Cost may also affect your decision. Ask how much the medicine costs and whether it comes under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS(7). If you're worried about cost, ask if there's a cheaper alternative.

Any question you can think of is worth asking.

Write your questions down before your consultation. The Healthdirect Question Builder can help you with this, and also recommends bringing a list of the medicines you’re already taking(8).

Starting a medicine should be an informed decision and not something you feel you need to accept without explanation. Ask why the medicine was recommended, how to take it, what side effects to watch for, and what alternatives are available, and use the answers to decide with your healthcare team the best option for your circumstances.