Best Questions to Ask About a New Prescription

Ask for the name of the medicine, both brand and generic, and the condition it treats. Then ask when it should start to work and how you will measure that: a lower blood pressure reading, a better A1C, fewer symptoms. Some medicines work in days; others take weeks.

• Write the name and purpose on your medicine list
• Ask whether you need blood work or a follow-up visit to check it
• Ask what happens if it does not work

Ask how much, how many times a day and at what time. Ask whether to take it with food or on an empty stomach. The NIA notes that "empty stomach" generally means at least two hours before or two hours after eating, but follow your pharmacist's exact instructions.

• Ask whether "four times a day" means around the clock or only while awake
• Ask what "as needed" means for this medicine
• Do not crush, split or chew tablets unless your pharmacist says it is OK

Most side effects are mild and fade, but a few need attention. Ask which ones are common, which mean you should call the office, and which mean you should call 911. Ask whether it is safe to drive while taking it.

• Call 911 for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, chest pain or signs of stroke
• Tell your doctor about past reactions, such as rashes or dizziness
• Do not stop a medicine because of side effects without asking first

Mixing a new drug with medicines or supplements you already take can cause problems. Ask about other prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements and alcohol. Also ask about grapefruit. The FDA warns that grapefruit juice can change how much of some drugs enter your blood, including certain statins, some blood pressure medicines, and amiodarone for heart rhythm.

• If grapefruit is a problem, the FDA says Seville oranges, pomelos and tangelos may be too
• Ask whether you should stop or change anything you already take
• On a blood thinner? Ask about foods, supplements and pain relievers, and see our PT/INR checks

The answer is different for different medicines. For some, you take it as soon as you remember; for others, you skip it and never double up. Ask while you are still at the counter, and write the answer on your list.

• A weekly pill organizer makes missed doses easy to spot
• Phone alarms help with twice-a-day medicines
• Tell your doctor if you often forget; a once-a-day option may exist

The NIA advises not stopping a prescription just because you feel better. Some medicines, like many for blood pressure or cholesterol, work only while you take them. Some must be tapered slowly, and antibiotics usually need to be finished.

• Ask: is it safe to stop suddenly?
• Ask when you will review whether you still need it
• At every visit, ask if you still need each medicine

Generic drugs contain the same active ingredients as the brand-name version. Tell your doctor if cost is a worry; skipping doses to stretch a supply is risky. Compare prices between pharmacies and mail-order, and ask about savings programs from pharmacies, drug makers and nonprofits.

• Medicare Part D: out-of-pocket costs for covered drugs are capped at $2,100 in 2026
• Medicare's Extra Help program lowers drug costs for people with limited income
• The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan spreads costs across the year but does not lower them

Ask how many refills you have, whether a follow-up visit or lab test is needed before the next refill, and whether a 90-day supply is an option. Know who to call with questions after hours: the pharmacy for dosing questions, the office for anything about your condition.

• Request refills several days before you run out
• Hurricane season? See our medication refill tips
• Keep the pharmacy phone number on your medicine list

Ask whether it needs the refrigerator and how to keep it away from heat and humidity. For unused medicines, the FDA says a take-back option is best: drop-off kiosks at many pharmacies and police stations, or mail-back envelopes. You can find locations on the DEA website by ZIP code.

• No take-back nearby? The FDA says to mix most medicines with coffee grounds or dirt, seal in a bag and put it in the trash
• Only medicines on the FDA flush list should be flushed
• Scratch out personal information on the bottle label