What to Do When Prescribed a New Medication
When prescribed a new medication you know nothing about, immediately request comprehensive information from your prescribing physician before leaving the appointment, including the drug's name, indication, dosing schedule, duration of treatment, potential side effects, and precautions—and do not accept the prescription without this discussion. 1, 2
Essential Information You Must Obtain
Core Medication Details
- Drug name and indication: You must understand both the brand and generic names of the medication and the specific medical condition it is treating 3, 4
- Dosing instructions: Obtain clear information about how much to take, how often, and the best way to take it (with food, on empty stomach, etc.) 4
- Duration of treatment: Understand whether this is a short-term or long-term medication and when to expect improvement 4
- Side effects and warning signs: Request information about common side effects and serious adverse effects that require immediate medical attention 2, 4
Critical Safety Information
- Drug interactions: Inform your physician about ALL medications you currently take, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, and supplements, as interactions can cause serious harm 1, 5
- Allergies and previous reactions: Document any previous drug allergies or intolerances with specific details about the reaction 1
- Monitoring requirements: Ask whether the medication requires laboratory monitoring (blood tests, ECGs, etc.) and how frequently 6
Who Should Provide This Information
Physician's Primary Responsibility
- Your prescribing physician should provide information about the indication for the medication, duration of treatment, and potential side effects—this is where 82% of side effect information typically comes from 4
- The physician must explain why this specific medication is appropriate for your condition and what alternatives exist 2, 7
Pharmacist's Complementary Role
- Pharmacists most commonly provide detailed instructions about how often to take medications (68% of cases), dosing amounts (64%), and the best method of administration (71%) 4
- Consult your pharmacist when picking up the prescription for additional clarification and to verify you understand the instructions correctly 3
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Patient Passivity
- Do not leave the appointment without asking questions—few patients request specific information on their own initiative, yet this is essential for safe medication use 4
- Research shows that 13.5% of patients lack knowledge about the indication for at least one of their medications, with cardiovascular drugs being the most commonly misunderstood 8
Inadequate Documentation
- Ensure the medication is added to your complete medication list and that all your healthcare providers are informed 1
- Keep a written or electronic record of all medications, including the indication, dose, and prescriber 1
High-Risk Medication Categories Requiring Extra Vigilance
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners like warfarin) have increased error rates and require extra scrutiny 1
- Insulin and antidiabetic agents, antiarrhythmics (like amiodarone), and central nervous system depressants (sedatives, opioids) require careful monitoring 1
- Multiple psychiatric medications together (like the combination of quetiapine, escitalopram, and lorazepam) create significant risks including QT prolongation and respiratory depression 6
When to Refuse or Question a Prescription
Red Flags
- If the prescriber cannot explain why you need the medication or what condition it treats 1
- If you are being prescribed a medication by a provider who has never examined you or reviewed your complete medical history 1
- If the medication requires monitoring but no monitoring plan is discussed 1
Request Alternatives
- Ask about non-pharmacological options or whether the medication is absolutely necessary 2
- For high-risk medications like benzodiazepines (lorazepam, diazepam), question whether the benefits outweigh the risks, particularly for chronic use 6
Special Considerations for Vulnerable Populations
Older Adults
- Older adults are more susceptible to medication errors and adverse effects and may require more gradual dose adjustments 9, 1
- Certain medications like first-generation antihistamines and benzodiazepines are potentially inappropriate for older adults 5
Patients with Multiple Prescribers
- Having multiple prescribers increases the risk of drug duplications and dangerous interactions 1
- Ensure all your providers have access to your complete medication list 1
Documentation You Should Maintain
- Keep a current list of all medications with doses, frequencies, and indications 1
- Document any side effects or problems you experience 5
- Consider wearing a MedicAlert bracelet for serious drug allergies 5
- Report serious adverse drug reactions to pharmacovigilance authorities (Yellow Card Scheme in UK, MedWatch in US) 5