1. 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 reduce the chance of illness or complications.

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

2. What side effects should I be aware of?

Side effects are unwanted effects of a medicine. Many medicines can cause side effects, but not everybody will experience them. It is 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 on your health or wellbeing

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

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

You might decide you do not want to take a medicine your doctor has prescribed.

This may be because you:

• don't want to take the chance you will have side effects
• can't afford it
• think you will recover without the medicine

It's your choice whether or not to take a medicine, even if it's prescribed by your doctor.

Some conditions will get better whether you take a medicine or not. Other conditions will get worse and might cause permanent harm if you do not take your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist what might happen if you don't take the medicine as prescribed — it is your right to ask and understand your health management options, as part of informed consent.

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

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

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

Check with your doctor before stopping your medicine earlier than the prescribed time. Some medicines need to be stopped slowly (weaned) to reduce the chance of withdrawal effects.

5. 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 chance of side effects.

It is important to think about the benefits and risks of each treatment option. The cost of the medicines or treatments may also vary widely. Understanding the benefits, risks and costs of each option 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.

6. How do I take the medicine and for how long?

Medicines can come in many forms, including:

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

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

Whatever the type of medicine, 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 — for example, antibiotics. Others are meant to be taken long-term.

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.

7. 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 cost is a concern, ask your doctor if there are more affordable options.

8. 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, even if you only drink a small amount of alcohol.

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

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

It's also possible to develop serious long-term complications from mixing medicines and alcohol.

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.

Read these tips for safe and responsible drinking.