The diagnosis of a chronic illness carries with it a variety of issues. It means a heightened awareness of your health and the things that impact your health. One important issue to examine is medications. It is key that you not only know the name of the medication but also what it is for, how it works and when to take it.

Many patients with chronic diseases are on medicines for long periods of time. In order to achieve your best health possible, you need to work with the members of your healthcare team to learn how to make the most of your medicines. Here are several things you should know about each of your medicines:

Medicine names can be tricky to understand. That's because many medicines actually have two different names. A drug has a brand name or trade name given to it by the manufacturer. Each drug also has a generic name, which can be thought of as its "scientific" name. Even though drugs have a generic name, you may not be able to purchase the generic form. This is because the manufacturers have a patent on the brand name product. Patents last for several years, so when a new drug hits the market, it can be a long wait before the generic version is available. Sometimes different companies produce the same drug and give it different names, which can make things more confusing.

Knowing both the generic and brand names for your medicines isn't important -- that's the job of your physician and pharmacist. You should focus on remembering whichever name is easier for you to remember. Generic medicines have been approved as acceptable substitutes for the brand name medicines, and are usually less expensive. Sometimes, however, your physician may feel that a brand name medicine will work better for you, and will tell the pharmacist that you should receive the brand name product. You are legally allowed to request brand name medicines if you prefer. Be aware, however, that many insurance companies will require that you pay the difference between the brand name and the generic product.

Many people aren't really sure what their medicines are supposed to be treating. Many medicines have multiple uses. You should never assume that you are taking a medicine for the same reason someone else takes it. Ask your physician to put the reason for the medicine on the prescription. This is especially helpful when someone else helps take care of you, or if you have to go to the hospital. Having the label state exactly why you take that medicine will help your caretaker or the hospital physician get a better picture of your medicine regimen.

Some medicines have an immediate effect. Other medicines may take several weeks to begin working. These medicines need to accumulate in your body before they work well. If you stop taking these medicines before they reach a certain level in your body, you've not given them a chance to work. Be sure to ask your physician or pharmacist when you can expect to see results from your medicines.

Many medicines are given for problems that don't have any symptoms. These include serious health problems like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. In these cases, it may be difficult or impossible for you to tell if your medicine is working at all. Unfortunately, many people stop taking these medicines because they don't feel any different when taking them. Your physician, by examining you and doing various lab tests, will be able to tell if these medicines are working. Never stop taking these medicines without asking your physician first.

Some medicines are prescribed on an "as needed" basis. These may include things like medicines for pain, allergies, stomach upset, etc. These medicines should only be taken when the symptom occurs. Many medicines are to be taken as prescribed until the physician tells you to stop taking them. Don't ever assume that you are supposed to stop taking the medicine just because your prescription is out of refills. Notify your physician, and ask whether you need to get the medicine refilled. Often, the physician will want you to come to the office for a check-up before giving you a refill.

These are just some of the important questions you'll want to have answered by your physician or pharmacist for each medicine you take.

First published September 11, 2000
Last updated April 27, 2002
Copyright © 2000 Accordant Health Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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