General sources for most common medical conditions
- WebMD – WebMD is a easy to use source of information on an exhaustive listing of medical conditions. It is a good place to start your search.
- CDC – The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention have a large website with background information on many common medical conditions (and some not-so-common). It is a good place to start.
- Mayo Clinic – As the name indicates, this is the website of the Mayo Clinic. It hosts information on a veriety of medical conditions. It is a good place to start.
- PubMed – A free database accessing MEDLINE information. If you’re looking for the most recent medical research in a given area, this is a good place. PubMed isn’t a good place to start.
6 Questions to Ask Your Pharmacist
1. Why should I take this drug?
Make sure you understand what the drug is for. If you are not sure you want to take it, tell the pharmacist your concerns. Ask if there are other ways to help your condition, such as diet and exercise.
2. Is the drug safe for me?
Make sure the doctor & pharmacist know:
- All the medicines you take. This includes over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, minerals, herbs, & dietary supplements.
- Any drug allergies or bad reactions that you have had to drugs.
- Any illnesses or conditions you have, such as diabetes or asthma.
- If you are nursing, pregnant, or planning to get pregnant.
3. How should I take it?
- How often should I take the new drug?
- Do I take it before, after or with a meal?
- How much do I take each time?
- Do I need to stop taking any other drugs while I am taking this one?
- Is there any food I should avoid? Can I drink alcohol? Is there anything I should not do, such as drive?
4. How long should I take it?
- How long do I need to take the drug? Do I need to finish the bottle? Can I stop when the symptoms are gone?
- How will I know if the drug is working?
- Will I need refills?
5. What are the side effects?
- What side effects might I have?
- When should I call the doctor about a side effect?
6. Is there a generic?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if cost is an issu. Doctors often write prescriptions for brand-name drugs because the names are well known. But brand-name drugs cost more than generics. Ask if there is a generic that would work just as well.
Learn more about your drugs at
- www.consumerreportshealth.org/BestBuyDrugs
- www.medlineplus.gov – click on drugs & supplements
Information & Organizations for Specific Medical Conditions:
- Diabetes
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Heart Disease
- Cholesterol
- Chronic Pain/Pain Management
- Wound Care
