Please note: The print version of this factsheet has been replaced by Medimate. Order Medimate for free.

Be open. Ask questions. It’s your health. 

Medicines can be prescribed for many reasons. They can make you feel better, prevent illness altogether or stop you getting worse. Whatever the reason, it is important to understand your medicines and your health. Talking openly with your doctor and your pharmacist about your health helps you in many ways.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your health

How is your health affecting you?

This information, and more, can help your doctor or pharmacist understand how you are.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medicines

The following information can help your doctor or pharmacist understand about your medicines and how they are affecting your life. You both need to have the full picture to make the best decisions.

• What medicines you are using, including any complementary medicines.
• How often.
• When you started.
• When you stopped.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about your medicines

The following sorts of questions will help you understand the benefits and harms of your medicines, and how they might affect your life.

• What is it for?
• How does it work?
• How should I use it?
• How long do I keep taking it for?
• When do I stop it?
• Will I feel any different?
• Is there anything I need to do?
• What about side effects?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• Are there any medicines I should not take?

The following sorts of questions will help you understand your health, and how it might affect your life.

• Do you think I’m going to feel better?
• Is this medicine to stop me feeling worse?
• What can I expect to happen?
• How long will it take?

You can make it easier to talk to your doctor or pharmacist

Before you go, write a list of the things you want to say, or the questions you want to ask.

Take a friend or relative.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to write down any answers or advice.

Keep a list of your medicines, and ask for written material such as Consumer Medicine Information.

If you need time to think, say so.

You may feel your doctor or pharmacist doesn’t always understand you

Sometimes that happens. Your relationship with your doctor or pharmacist is like all relationships – some work better than others. It often takes time to know. If your relationship with your doctor or pharmacist is not working, and you have given it time, then you could try to talk about it with them. If that doesn’t work, then you can always try another doctor or pharmacist.

For more information

NPS and CHF are partners in the Community Quality Use of Medicines program.