Questions You Should Ask Before You Give a New Medicine

This Fact Sheet accompanies the Questions You Should Ask Before You Give a New Medicine class in the classroom.

What is this medicine for?
- Tip: MD include what the drug is for on the prescription.
Do I need to stop giving any current medicines?
- Tip: Keep a med list with you and review.
How should this medicine be taken?
Do I need to give all the medicine or stop giving it when my loved one feels better?
- Continue depression meds even if feeling better
How long will this drug be taken?
- Alzheimer's drugs are long-term
- Automatic Refill reminders
Tests - Are there any required?
- Tacrine liver tests
- Razadyne (formerly Reminyl) and Namenda dosing adjustment required if have kidney problems
How can I tell if the medicine is working? When should I expect it to start working?
- Alzheimer's drugs weeks to have a full effect.
- Which symptoms should get better?
Side Effects – What should I do?
What should be avoided?
Missed dose – What should I do?
- Look in patient information sheet
- Any DOUBT: Ask pharmacist or Dr. for advice
- Drugs are different
What printed information can you give me about this medicine?
- Pharmacist Review
Can I give a generic version of this medicine?
- No generics for major Alzheimer’s drugs.
- Generics for some psychosis medications

Tips!

Write your questions down ahead of time
- Keep a list as you think of them
- Take the list of questions to the Dr. appointment
Take notes when you get information from the Dr. or Pharmacist
- Go to Dr. visits with your loved one
Use the same pharmacy for a complete record of all your loved one’s prescriptions
Pharmacist relationship
Pharmacist counseling: Take advantage
Written prescription information: Mark it up and save
Keep a list of ALL medicines, vitamins, herbals, and dietary supplements your loved one takes
- Show it to the Dr. and Pharmacist
- When buying medication for person with Alzheimer’s disease, tell the Pharmacist