Knowledge is the best medicine

What this page covers

Good medicine decisions start with clear questions: what is the intended benefit, how strong is the evidence, what harms are possible, what alternatives exist and how will results be monitored?

• Know the medicine's purpose and instructions
• Ask about common and serious risks
• Check interactions and relevant health conditions
• Understand what to do if a dose is missed or a problem occurs

How to use this archive entry

Use written information to prepare a conversation with a pharmacist or other qualified health professional, not to replace individualized advice.