When Should My Doctor Be Consulted About Side Effects?

You should consult your physician at any time when side effects or other issues related to your treatment concern you. These times may include:

• If you feel worried or confused after reading the package insert or other information about your medication
• You are not sure how you should be taking your medication
• You think your medication looks different after picking up a refill from the pharmacy
• If you have any unexpected reactions to your medication
• If you have reactions to your medication that might be expected, but are unacceptable
• If you suspect you are taking another medication that is incompatible with your prescription
• If you need emergency care and are about to be given medications, some of which may be incompatible with your prescription
• If you are taking any medication that your physician doesn’t already know about
• If you are taking any medication that comes from outside the United States or was given or mailed to you without a medical examination
• If you are taking any health product that comes from outside the United States or was given or mailed to you without a medical examination
• If you are taking any medication or health product with exaggerated claims
• If you have any questions related to your prescription(s) for any reason

Often, if one medication is giving you side effects, your physician can adjust the dose or substitute another medication to relieve the problem. This can only happen if you speak up about your concerns and give your physician all the information needed to understand them.

Give your physician and pharmacist a written list of your medications, including your regular prescriptions and also drug samples, over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, vitamins, herbal remedies, allergy medicines, and any other kind of treatment you are receiving. This will help your physician and pharmacist protect you from side effects, or make adjustments if side effects occur.