Staying in touch with your health care professionals while taking your medicines is a vital part of your treatment. Nurses Today, Inc. is happy to provide you with a form to keep near the phone listing all of your provider's names and phone numbers in case you have any problems or questions. It is also a good idea to give a copy to a friend or family member.

Ask the following questions when you visit your doctor and make note of the answers you receive on the list provided above.

• What is the name of the medicine? Is this the brand or generic name?
• What is the medicine supposed to do?
• How and when do I take it? And for how long?
• What foods, drinks, other medicines, or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?
• What are the possible side effects? What do I do if they occur?
• Is there any written information available about the medicine?

A yearly medicine checkup is a good way to spot hidden problems. Schedule a time with your pharmacist or doctor to look at all the prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take, including herbal supplements. They can check for duplicate medicines and proper doses. They can also advise you on medicines that are no longer needed and tell you how to safely get rid of old medicines.