Working with Doctors
Taking medications must be a cooperative effort between your parents and their doctors. Passively taking pills as they go from one doctor to another isn't smart or safe. Mom and Dad have to ask questions and give information. They should do this at every visit.
When a physician gives your parents new medication, here's what they should be asking:
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What is the name of the medication (brand name and generic name)?
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What is the medication supposed to do?
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Why are you recommending that I take this?
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How often should I take the drug?
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How long should I take the drug?
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When should I take it? (Whenever I need to? Before, during, or after meals? At bedtime?)
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Should I avoid certain foods or alcohol when taking this drug? Should I stay out of the sun?
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Should this medicine be refrigerated?
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If I forget to take it, what should I do?
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What side effects might I expect? Under what circumstances should I call you?
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Is there any written material on this drug?
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Is there something else I could try first, such as a change in diet, exercise, or therapy?
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How much does this drug cost? (Let the doctor know if you cannot afford it. Ask if there is a generic substitute, which costs less.)
And here's what your parents should be telling their physician:
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The name of all prescription drugs they are taking, including how long and how frequently they're taken.
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Any over-the-counter drugs they're taking, including vitamins.
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All allergies to medications and food.
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Any serious side effect they've had to a particular medication.
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If Mom or Dad has stopped taking a medication, your parent can't keep it a secret. The doctor needs to know since some medications work in combination with other drugs.
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Any concern about not being able to afford the medication.
If your parents take quite a few medications, make a copy of the following Pill Tracking Chart and have your parents or you bring it to every physician visit. The doc will really appreciate it because it will save time and provide the information he or she needs to assess what's going on.
