MUST - A National Education Campaign for Older Adults and Caregivers
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Be Medicine Smart > Talk to Your Healthcare Professionals About Using Medicines

Use these resources each and every time a medicine is discussed during a health care visit or a trip to the pharmacy. Make the most of your discussion by:

  • Taking a list of questions with you to start the discussion
  • Sharing an up-to-date-list of all current medicines, vitamins and other supplements, and when and how they are taken (schedule)
  • Asking the healthcare professional or pharmacist to review the medicine list with you from time to time
  • Scheduling a comprehensive medication review. This may be a free service if you have Medicare “Part D” coverage.

Make a List

To help you stay on track for using your medicines safely, make a list. In fact, make more than one list. (1) Make a list of all the current medicines you use and share it with your healthcare team. And, (2) make a list of questions to ask your healthcare professional or pharmacist about medicines.

Use this list of 10 important questions to ask about medicines when talking with your healthcare team. Be sure to add your own questions to this list.

  1. Why are you recommending this medicine for me?
  2. Is this medicine safe for someone my age?
  3. Will this medicine be safe with the other medicines I use?
  4. Will you review my medicines with me to see if I still need to take them all?
  5. When and how should I take this medicine?
  6. For how long should I take this medicine?
  7. What is the most important thing I should know about this medicine?
  8. How will I know if this medicine is working?
  9. How much is too much of this medication?
  10. What side effects should I be concerned about and what should I do if I’m concerned?

For more information and a list of reminders for using medicine safely, visit www.bemedwise.org.

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