It is important that you are involved in any decisions about your treatment. Do not be afraid to ask questions and discuss any concerns you have. When you are prescribed a new medicine, you might want to ask your doctor or pharmacist some questions

Some questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist when you are prescribed a new medicine

• What does this medicine do?
• How long will I need to use it?
• How and when should I take it?
• Should I avoid any other medicines, drinks, foods or activities when I am taking this medicine?
• What are the possible risks and side effects – and what should I do if they happen to me?

You can help your doctor to prescribe the best treatment for you by discussing what is important to you about your medicines. For example, you might want the medicine which is the fastest acting, or which has the fewest side-effects or it may be really important to you that you only take your medicine once a day.

You should always tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines (prescription and 'over-the-counter') including the contraceptive pill or vitamin and herbal and natural remedies/supplements. This is important because:

• Some medicines react with other medicines to produce unpleasant side-effects and may even be contra-indicated (totally unsuitable).
  
  
• Medicines can block the effects of other medicines and stop them working or may interact to make the effect of the medicine stronger.
  
  
• Different medicines may contain some of the same ingredients and taking more than one medicine at the same time may mean that you get too much of a particular ingredient.

An important aspect of being involved in your treatment involves checking and recording your own health. A simple way to do this is by using a diary. It only takes a few minutes each day to fill out a diary, noting how you feel and describing any symptoms or adverse effects you experience. This can help you and your doctor to monitor your condition and see if you are getting the most out of your current treatment plan.

Finally, your doctor needs to know about any changes to your treatment plan and it is important that you are open and tell your doctor if you are not taking your medicine as he or she recommended.