Make sure you ask your doctor all of the following when he or she prescribes a new medication for you:

• What is this drug called, and how strong is it?
• What is it meant to treat?
• At what time of the day do I need to take it, and how do I do so?
• What are the signs that the medication is working?
• Will I need blood tests or other monitoring to ensure the medication is working properly?
• What kind of side effects come with this medication? What should I do if I experience them?
• How long will I be on this medication?
• Will this medication badly react with my other medications or any vitamins I am taking?
• Should I take this medication with food or without it? Are there any foods I should avoid?
• Approximately how much will this medication cost? Is there a lower-cost alternative?