Prescription Drug Checklist

To reduce the potential for taking a medication that was not prescribed for them or cannot be safely taken by them, patients should ask the following five sets of questions before accepting prescription drugs:

* Is this the drug my doctor ordered? What are the trade and generic names of the medication?
* What is the drug for? What is it supposed to do?
* How and when am I supposed to take it and for how long?
* What are the likely side effects? What do I do if they occur?
* Is this medication safe to take with other over-the-counter or prescription medications, or dietary supplements, that I am already taking? What food, drink, activities, dietary supplements, or other medication should be avoided while taking this medication?

National Patient Safety Partnership, May 12, 1999