Health Tip: Ask Questions About That New Drug

(HealthDayNews) -- Don't be embarrassed to question your doctor about that new prescription he's written, the National Council on Patient Information and Education advises.

Some recommended questions include:

• What is the name of the medicine and what is it supposed to do? Is this a brand-name drug or a generic version, which probably is less expensive.
• How and when do I take the medicine, and for how long?
• What foods, drinks, other medicines, dietary supplements or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?
• What are possible side effects, and what should I do if they occur?
• When should I expect the medicine to begin to work, and how will I know if it is working?

-- Dennis Thompson