Why is it important to ask my doctor or pharmacist about the medicines I have been prescribed?

Asking questions about your treatment or medicine is important to help you understand your options.

You have a right to ask your pharmacist or doctor about the medicines you are prescribed, so don't feel shy. It also helps you to know what to expect if you take a medicine, stop taking it or don't take it at all.

Here are 8 key questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking a medicine.

What are the likely benefits of taking this medicine?

Medicines work in different ways. Some medicines may reduce some or all of the symptoms of an illness; others may prevent illness or complications.

Ask your doctor what benefits you can expect from the medicine, and then think about what those benefits mean to you.

What side effects should I be aware of?

Side effects are unwanted effects of a medicine. All medicines can cause side effects, but not everybody will experience them. It's important to be aware of the side effects of medicines so that you know what to do if you experience them.

Ask your doctor about:

• common side effects — these side effects are usually less serious but more common
• serious side effects — these side effects occur less frequently but may have a greater impact

You can also get information about side effects from the consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet that comes with all prescription and pharmacist-only medicines. Your pharmacist can show you where this is.

What would happen if I didn't take this medicine?

You might decide you don't want to take a medicine your doctor has prescribed.

This may be because:

• you don't want to risk the side effects
• you can't afford it
• you think you'll recover without the medicine

This is your right. Some conditions will get better whether you take a medicine or not. Other conditions will get worse and perhaps cause permanent damage to your health if you don't take a prescribed medicine. Asking your doctor or pharmacist what will happen if you don't take the medicine can help you make an informed choice.

How will I know if the medicine is working and how long will that take?

Some medicines, including pain-relief medicines, work almost immediately. Others, such as antidepressants, may take weeks before you notice a difference.

Before you start taking a medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist how long it will take for the medicine to start working and how you will know if it is working.

Check with your doctor first if you are thinking of stopping your medicine earlier than the prescribed time.

What other treatment options are available?

There may be other medicines to consider for your condition. Some medicines may be more effective but have a greater risk of side effects.

It is important to think about the benefits and risks for each treatment option. The cost of the medicines or treatments may also vary widely. Understanding the costs can help you make an informed choice.

In some cases, medicine may not be the only or best approach to improving your condition. Sometimes lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, losing weight (if you are living with overweight or obesity) and physical activity, may be effective treatments.

For some conditions, there might be other options such as physiotherapy, counselling or surgery.

How do I take the medicine and for how long?

Medicines come in many forms, including:

• tablets and capsules
• gels and creams
• powders
• liquids
• patches
• inhalations
• suppositories

Some are taken once a day or once a week. Others are taken several times a day.

Whatever the type of medicine, it is important to ask your doctor how and when to take it. You can also talk to a pharmacist or check the CMI.

Some medicines are taken for only a short period. Others are taken for life. For example, antibiotics are usually taken for a limited time, but they need to be taken for the whole period prescribed — even if you start to feel better — to avoid antibiotic resistance.

Always check with a healthcare professional if you plan to stop taking a medicine. Suddenly stopping some medicines, such as antidepressants, might cause unwanted symptoms.

How much will it cost?

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises the cost of medicines for most medical conditions.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if the medicine is on the PBS. If it is not on the PBS, you will need to pay the full price.

If the cost of the medicine is a problem, ask your doctor if there are more affordable options.

Can I drink alcohol while I take my medicine?

Alcohol can interact with many medicines. This can change how both the alcohol and medicine affect you. This can happen even if you only drink a small amount of alcohol each day.

If you drink alcohol while you take medicines, there may be short-term and/or long-term effects.

Some short-term effects include increasing the effects of alcohol (feeling more drunk) and/or increasing the effects of the medicine (including side effects). These may affect your ability to drive, work safely or care for children.

Long-term complications of mixing medicines and alcohol may include liver damage, heart problems, problems breathing or depression.

If you plan to drink, ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible interactions between alcohol and the medicines you take. If you use other substances, ask about these as well.

Resources and support

• Call 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424) to talk about the medicines you are taking.
• If you are experiencing a problem, or adverse event, after taking a medicine, call the Adverse Medicine Events (AME) line (1300 633 424). You will speak with a pharmacist who can provide advice on how to manage the side effects. (Available every day 9am to 5pm AEST (except on NSW public holidays). For emergencies call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
• Visit the Choosing Wisely website for tips on planning an appointment with your doctor or other healthcare providers. Choosing Wisely also provides a list of questions to ask before you get any test, treatment or procedure — in both English and other languages.
• Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 at any time to speak to a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) for more information and advice.