When your doctor prescribes you medication, it’s important that you understand all you can about it. What you don’t know could hurt you. Here are some important questions:

Is this medication correct for me?

• Look up information about your medication from the U.S. Food and DrugAdministration: click here

• Questions to ask your doctor about a new medication: click here

• Questions for your pharmacist when filling a prescription: click here

• Would you know if you were given the wrong medication by mistake? View pill images to check color, size and shape to make sure: click here

Does this medication interfere with my other medications or any foods?

• Research your medication and possible drug interactions on the web: click here

• Drug Interactions: What You Should Know FDA booklet

Are there any side effects?

• Research possible side effects on the web: click here

• Does the medication I am taking have an FDA Safety Alert? Click here

Are there other less expensive medications?

• Research the average cost of your medication

• Call different pharmacies and ask about the cost

• Research the average price of a prescription through the MN Rx Connect  website: click here

Is there another treatment option besides medication?

Ask about alternatives such as lifestyle changes and natural therapies.

Medication Safety Tips

1. Check the expiration date of your medication. Throw out and replace any out-of-date medications, including over-the-counter medications.

2. Always keep medications out of the reach of children; consider keeping prescription narcotics locked up to prevent drug abuse.

3. Know how and where to store your medications. Most should be kept in a dry place away from heat and humidity, which means NOT storing them in the bathroom.

4. Never share a prescription medication with anyone.

5. Always keep medications and over-the-counter medications in their original container where they can be clearly identified. Never store multiple medications in the same container.

6. Always tell your doctor about all medications and over-the-counter drugs you are taking to prevent potentially harmful medication interactions.

7. When giving a child an over-the-counter medication or taking one yourself, always read and follow the guidelines on the bottle or box.

Brand-name vs. generic medications

Medications are one of the most expensive types of medical claims we have. A lot of this is due to us buying brand name instead of generic medications. The average brand name drug costs 423% more than its generic equivalent.

All generic drugs are approved by the FDA. The FDA requires that a generic drug be the same as a brand name drug in:

• Dosage
• Safety
• Strength
• Quality
• The way it works
• The way it is taken
• The way it should be used
  

More facts about generic drugs: Click here

What this means for YOU:

Medications are powerful. It is important that you know all you can about any medications you are taking. Question your doctor about anything you don’t understand. Be a wise consumer and ask if money-saving generic medications are an option.