How to Get Information About a Prescription Drug

With all the prescription drugs on the market, it is difficult to remember what each one is for and what the possible side effects are. Fortunately, it is very easy to find out information on any drug on the market from a variety of sources.

Instructions

1. Ask your doctor about a prescription drug and how it will address the specific condition being treated. Be sure to discuss possible side effects, how long the medicine should be taken for and if it might interact with anything else you are taking.

2. Consult with the pharmacist when picking up prescription medication. Pharmacists have access to full prescribing information as well as current warnings being issued about drugs on the market. A pharmacist may have even more knowledge than the doctor when it comes to specific drugs and how they should be taken.

3. Utilize the internet. There are many websites that can tell you about medications, their uses and their side effects. Drugs.com, RXList.com and WebMD are three of the most prominent. These sites also have information about drugs that are in trials and have not yet been released by the FDA.

4. Check the website of the prescription drug's manufacturer. While it will contain complex information, the manufacturers usually have the most up-to-date information on a prescription drug.

5. Read about prescription drugs in the "PDR," or "Prescription Drug Reference" book. This book actually contains pictures of what specific pills look like. Copies are also usually available in the public library or your local bookstore.

Tips & Warnings

• Prescription medication should always be taken under the care of a physician.

References

• Drugs
• RX List
• WebMD