Questions to Consider Before Starting any Medication (including PrEP)

Here are some important questions to ask before starting a new medication to make sure you understand what you are taking or what you need to do while taking the medication:

• What is the brand name of this medication (they often prescribe generic)?

  • What is the dose you are recommending?

• Are there other uses for this medication than what you are prescribing?

• What are the risks and benefits of taking this medication?

• Can you give me some additional information about this medication (print)?

• How effective is this treatment? 

  • How will I know the medication is working for me?

• How often do I need to take this?  What time of day?

• What if I miss a dose? Should I take it as soon as I remember or wait until the next dose?

• Should this medicine with food or on an empty stomach?

• Should I avoid certain foods or drinks while taking this medication?

• Is it OK to drive while taking this medication?

• Is it OK to take this medication along with the others I’m taking?

• Does this medication need to be refrigerated or kept at room temperature? 

• Are allergic reactions to this medication common?

• What are the serious side effect I should look out for? 

• Will this medication be covered by my insurance?

• Will I need a refill of this medication?  

• Do I need to take all the medicine or is it OK to stop taking the medicine when I feel better?

• When will we have another checkup to assess how taking this medication is going for me?

• Do you offer any type of financial assistance or other support services at this location?

  • Gas cards, TARC Tickets, referrals to other services like mental health, food aid or childcare?