Communication and Information Sharing

Common questions to ask healthcare providers

Here is a list of questions you may consider asking your healthcare providers when it comes to starting new medications, continuing, changing, or stopping your current medications. At the end of this page we have included a downloadable checklist of all the questions, as well as a slide deck that includes the same information.

General Medication Information – What is it?

• What is the name of the medication (brand name or generic)?
• What is the dosage of the medication?
• What is this medication for? Why am I taking it?
• What does it do for my body? What is the intended effect?
• Is this a temporary or long-term medication?
• What is the expected outcome and when will I see the outcome?
• Are there other medications that can be used for the same symptoms? What alternatives are there to this medication?
• Where can I find more information on this medication?
• Will there be a follow-up appointment specific to this medication?
• Are other people with spinal cord injury/dysfunction taking this medication?
• Am I able to get a second opinion about taking this medication for [reason it is suggested]?
• How long has the medication been on the market (in North America, in Europe, etc.)?
• What medications have been around for a while for [reason it is suggested]?
• Can I change between the generic and brand name of this medication?
• What are the safety considerations (including if pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning on becoming pregnant, allergies, physiological changes, and operation of motorized machinery)?

Medication Administration – How do I take it?

• How do I take this medication? Does it need to be taken under specific conditions (i.e. with or without food, morning or evening, as needed, routine, multiple times per day)?
• What is the best route of administration that aligns with my abilities (oral, injection, inhalation, rectal, etc.)?
• How long will I need to take this medication?
• What might I do if I miss a dose of the medication?
• What might I do if I take too much medication?
• What happens if I take my medication and vomit?
• What happens if I take my medication and have diarrhea?
• Is there another way to take this medication?
• When stopping a medication that needs to have the dose tapered, what is the process of weaning off this medication?
• When should I ask my healthcare provider to discuss if the medication can be stopped or have the dose reduced?
• What are the lifestyle changes that may need to occur when taking specific medications (e.g. driving, exercising)?

Medication Effectiveness – How effective is it?

• How will I know if this medication is working?
• How long will I need to take this medication before I should see results?
• If this medication is no longer working, can I change the dose or change to a different medication?

Medication Side Effects and Safety – What are the possible risks?

• What are the expected side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. (short term and long term)?
• How do I track side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. ?
• What are the steps to take if side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. occur (including common, uncommon, and severe)?
• Which side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. warrant emergency medical attention?
• Can I stop this medication if the side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. are intolerable?
• Does this medication have any contraindications?
• Will this medication interact with any of my other medications?
  1. Note: make sure to tell your pharmacy team what other medications (including prescription medications A medication that is only available with written instructions from a healthcare provider (e.g., doctor, dentist, pharmacist). , over-the-counter A medication that can be bought without a prescription (doctor’s orders). For example, acetaminophen. medications, and natural health products Naturally occurring substances that can be used in products to maintain or restore health. Common natural health products include vitamins, minerals, and substances that come from a natural source (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids). ) you are taking 
• What are the steps to take if a medication interaction occurs?
• What are the negative and positive effects (risks/benefits) of taking the medication on a frequent basis?
• Is there an alternative to this medication with potentially fewer side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. ?
• Will I experience withdrawal A set of symptoms that occurs when someone stops using a drug or medication that they’ve become dependent on. Physical symptoms include sweating, nausea and shaking. Emotional symptoms include anxiety and irritability. effects if I stop this medication? How do I manage the withdrawal A set of symptoms that occurs when someone stops using a drug or medication that they’ve become dependent on. Physical symptoms include sweating, nausea and shaking. Emotional symptoms include anxiety and irritability. effects?

Convenience – What is the cost?

• What is the cost of this medication?
• Can this medication be covered by my insurance or publicly funded drug program?

Medication Packaging – How will it be packaged?

• How will the medication be packaged? Is the container easy to open?
• Is it possible for the medication to be packaged in a blister pack (pre-filled plastic packaging)?

Medication Refills and Renewals – What if I need more?

• How many refills can I request?
• What is the process for refilling the medication (steps to follow, available options)?
• What is the process for renewing the prescription for the medication (steps to follow, available options)?

Communication about Medications – What if I have questions?

If you have questions, you can:

• Request annual medication reviews from your pharmacist and/or prescriber
• Speak with your pharmacist and/or prescriber
• Ask for written information from your healthcare provider

Resources

A downloadable version of all the questions is available. This resource can be downloaded and completed on your computer or mobile device, or it can be printed.

A PowerPoint presentation is available: