The Caring Corner®
Understanding Your Medicines
These days some folks take lots of meds. If you live in Chapel Hill and the surrounding area, chances are you have ready access to medical advice. Don’t just take drugs because your doctor says to. Understand your meds and take charge of the compounds you are putting in your body.
Ask your doctor:
1 – Why am taking this medicine?
2 – What medical condition does it treat?
3 – How long will it take this medicine to work?
4 – What do I do if I miss a dose?
5 – What are the side effects, and what do I do if I experience any?
6 – Can I mix this medicine with other drugs, OTC products and supplements?
7 – What alternative products (herbal remedies, supplements) can I take to treat my condition?
As we age, the list of drugs we take gets longer and longer. Each time you visit your doctor, be sure to ask him or her if you still need to be on all your meds.
