Got a New Prescription? Here’s What to Ask Your Physician

By: VGFS
Tuesday, February 1, 2022

At Vaughn Greene Funeral Services, we care about your health. And being informed about the drugs you’re taking is an important part of managing your health care.

Any time your provider writes a new prescription for you, there are some questions you should ask before agreeing to take it. By doing so, you will not only better understand the medication and how to use it, but you also will learn why it’s necessary and what to expect.

Here are six important questions to ask whenever your physician prescribes a medication. And don't forget to jot down the answers!

  1. What are the common side effects?
    It’s important to know what to expect with a new medication. That way, you can consider whether enduring them is worth whatever benefit you might see. You should also ask how the drug will interact with anything else you're taking, including supplements.
     
  2. Will this be a "lifer" drug?
    Lifer drugs are those that will be necessary for years, and usually for the rest of your life, such as blood pressure or cholesterol-lowering medications. It isn’t wise to take any medication for the long-term based wholly on the result of a single blood test or another one-time measure. For example, blood test results vary depending on the time of day the blood is drawn, if you ate beforehand, what you ate, and how much sleep you got. Blood pressure readings can vary similarly. Also, MRIs, ultrasounds, CT scans, and other imaging tests can be interpreted differently depending on who is reading them. Ask for a repeat test and then make your decision.
     
  3. If you'll be taking the drug long-term, can you wait before making a decision about it?
    You never know if a change in diet, lifestyle or some other non-drug remedy might work instead. For most lifer medications, it usually isn’t necessary to make an immediate decision. High cholesterol, moderately high blood pressure, and weakening bones, for example, are not emergencies.
     
  4. What are the results of long-term studies for this medication?
    That's particularly important for drugs that will be taken for many years and possibly for a lifetime. Twenty-year studies are had to come by but it never hurts to ask.
     
  5. What would happen if you needed to go off the drug at some point in the future?
    It's possible that after taking a drug for some time, intolerable side effects or reactions may develop that require you to stop taking it. You may be able to lower your dose or try a different medication, but it’s wise to ask before you even begin taking it.       
                      
  6. Can you take an older version of a medication rather than the newest version?
    Older drugs are often the better choice. They have been used on an immense population pool and in daily life. New drugs, in contrast, have been tested on fewer people and the strict conditions in a study don’t always reflect the varied lifestyles and predispositions of the population at large.

When it comes to taking prescriptions, it’s important to get the facts. Ask questions while remaining polite and making it clear that you aren’t trying to be difficult. Doctors are people, too, and they will treat you better if you're courteous.

About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: For more than 25 years, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services has been providing a ministry of care to Baltimore’s African American community. As a leading local, minority- and family-owned provider, we promise to provide our highest level of service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. For more information about our funeral, cremation, memorial, and repast services, please call us at 410.655.0015 or visit us online at https://vaughncgreene.com/.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

How Much Do You Really Know About Cold and Flu Season?

The chill of winter is in the air, and that means the cold and flu season can’t be far behind. You may think you're savvy about avoiding seasonal illnesses, but how much do you really know about h...

Funeral Food Fusion: Seven Tips for Combining Comfort and Culture

Through the act of breaking bread together, funeral food becomes a symbol of shared grief and strength. Amid loss, food is often used as a way to connect with one another, express sympathy, and he...

Military Funeral Traditions: Seven Ways to Remember America's Heroes on Veterans’ Day

Veterans’ Day presents an opportunity to express gratitude for those who have selflessly served in the United States armed forces. To ensure that the memory of these heroes lives on, it's fitting ...

The Best and Worst Sources of Protein, According to Nutritional Experts

From plant-based to animal-derived, sources of protein range from exceptional to the less-than-ideal. In the world of nutrition, protein is an undisputed superhero. It is essential for building mu...

Coping With Grief After Sudden Loss? Here are Seven Important Things to Know

Grief can engulf us when we least expect it, especially after the sudden loss of a loved one. This kind of grief is uniquely intense, plunging us into a confusing world where everything feels unfa...

Plan a Memorable Final Farewell with these Smart Fall Funeral Considerations

Surrounded by autumn's beauty and serenity, fall funeral planning offers special solace to the grieving. With its vibrant leaves and crisp air, autumn brings a sense of comfort, reflection, and no...

Experts Say These Eight Things Can Reduce High Cholesterol Levels

High cholesterol is a common health concern, but the good news is that there are ways to tackle it naturally. Heart disease continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide, and maintaining heal...

Returning to Work After a Loved One Passes: Eight Helpful Coping Strategies

When you are returning to work after a loved one passes away, it can be an emotional journey filled with uncertainty. If the prospect of heading back to your workplace after loss feels overwhelmin...

How Should You Choose the Day and Time of the Funeral?

When bidding farewell to a cherished family member or friend, one of the most significant decisions you’ll face is selecting the appropriate day and time of the funeral. Amid the emotional challen...

Celebrating National Alcohol & Drug Recovery Month

This September we celebrate National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Starting in 1989, National Recovery Month was coined to promote and support evidence-based treatment and recovery...