Medications: Protecting Your Transplant

Questions to Ask

Although your doctor and pharmacist are there to answer any questions and concerns you may have, it is always good to be prepared. Take a pen and paper to your doctors' visits or even make an effort to record your questions and concerns in between visits to discuss at your next appointment. It can also be helpful to take a friend or family member to your doctors' visits.

The following questions will help you be as prepared as possible:

Questions for Your Doctor

• What are each of my medicines for?
• What are the side effects of the medicines I will be taking?
• Which side effects should I report? Who should I call?
• What should I do if I miss a dose of medicine?
• Who should I call when I need a new prescription?
• Are generic drugs OK?
• Which drugs do I need to take with food?
• Which drugs should I take on an empty stomach? How soon can I eat after taking them?
• What time of day should I take each of my medications?
• Does it matter what time of day I take my once-a-day medications?
• Should I take antibiotics before and after dental visits? For any other procedures?
• Can I take aspirin, calcium, vitamins, mineral supplements? How much?
• Which over-the-counter medicines should I avoid (such as ibuprofen, Motrin)?
• What vaccines should I get every year (flu, hepatitis, tetanus, etc.)?
• Should I avoid people who have had a vaccine? Which vaccines? For how long?
• Is it OK for me to have an alcoholic beverage? If so, what kind? How much? How often?

Questions for Your Pharmacy

• What are your hours of operation if I have questions or need to reorder my drugs?
• Do you have any educational materials that address my medications?
• Will you have to order my medication each time or is it kept in stock?
• How soon after I call in my prescription will my medications be available?
• Do you offer/charge for delivery?
• Do you offer a discount if I pay with a credit card or check?
• Will you waive my co-pay?
• What if I do not have insurance coverage?

Reference and Publication Information

The United Network for Organ Sharing is committed to providing accurate and reliable information for transplant patients. To learn more about our content authorship and review process, please read about our Editorial Board.

The content on this page was originally created on July 15, 2003 by the United Network for Organ Sharing and last modified on October 10, 2003.

This web site is intended solely for the purpose of electronically providing the public with general health-related information and convenient access to the data resources. UNOS is not affiliated with any one product nor does UNOS assume responsibility for any error, omissions or other discrepancies.