• What is the name of the medication you have prescribed for me and what is it supposed to do?
• When and for how long should I take the medication? Can I get these directions in writing?
• What should I do if I miss taking this medication?
• How long will I have to take this medication? When can I stop taking it?
• Are there foods, drinks (especially alcohol), other medications, or activities I should avoid while taking this medication?
• Are there common side effects to this medication? What should I do if they occur?
• Will this medication interact with other medications I am currently taking? If so, what can I do to lessen any negative effects?
• How can I learn more about his medication?

Source: Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association

Web Sites About Rx Prescription Medicines

Rx List - offers information on the 200 most-prescribed medicines and describes their side effects, clinical studies, and dosage information. Also describes which health insurance companies carry these drugs on their lists of preferred medicines (called "formularies").

Center Watch - lists over 7,000 clinical trials that are testing new Rx prescription medicines and treatments. Nearly all the trials are recruiting patients and often pay them for participating; you can even enroll in many of the clinical trials by e-mail.