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Writer's pictureJerilyn McKeon PharmD, BCACP

How to talk to your Doctor and Pharmacist about Medicine

Updated: May 26, 2023

As a Pharmacist I encourage patients to become comfortable asking questions and being an active part of their health. When your Doctor adds a medication there is a purpose behind adding the medication and sometimes multiple reasons to add it. For example some antidepressants not only treat mood and depression but also treat nerve pain.


Understanding your role in treatment will help you be the most successful in treating your condition in the long run.

  • Ask about the purpose of the medication. Each medication has an active function and understanding what each medication is treating helps you as a patient feel more confidence in your treatment.

Once your medication regimen has been implemented the next step is to continue regular follow up with your Provider. Sometimes medicine is trial process and it takes time to find the right medication for you.

  • Is the medication doing what it should be doing? For example if you are taking something for headaches...have your headaches improved? There is no need to continue to take a medication if you are not getting the intended benefit. These discussions open up options for changing to other medications if desired outcomes are not being met.

Regular follow ups also enable your Provider to monitor the medication not only for efficacy as discussed above but safety of the medication as well.

  • A benefit vs risk analysis of medications is always important to consider. Discuss any side effects you may be experiencing as well as obtain lab work to continue to monitor for safety.

Lastly, is being honest with yourself as well as your provider if there is anything that is keeping you from taking your medications consistently.

  • Is there anything that may be preventing you from taking a medication? Such as does it cost too much? Is the time of day that you are taking the medication hard to remember?

Also remember that medications are only one piece of the solution. Diet and exercise is something that can also be applied and is an important part of the puzzle. Utilizing other recourses such as Dietitians, Physical Therapists or Mental Health Providers are also other important things to consider.





Build a Healthcare Binder to keep track of your medications and healthcare

One of the best ways to take ownership and take charge or your healthcare is with organization. I have put together some Digital Templates that can be purchased on Etsy for a quick way to build your own personalized Healthcare Battle Binder.


For access to the entire 23 page Healthcare Battle Binder Digital Templates click the links below. To see Specific Disease State Battle Binders that I have available check out my Etsy store at https://thehumblerxmom.etsy.com






**Please take note, my views are my own and are not associated or representative of my employer(s). This website and its associated platforms are for education purposes only and not medical advice. (If one wants to establish a relationship in which individual circumstances can be evaluated please send a message)

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