Medicines: 10 essential questions to ask

Looking at the statin story

Q1: What is my medicine for?

It is very important that you are familiar with your medicine(s) and understand why you are taking them. Medicines can bring benefits, but also carry some risks. People respond to them differently, so it may take time for your doctor to find the best medicine and dose for you. Your doctor and pharmacist can help you understand your medicines, explain why you are taking them, and address your concerns.

Q2: Why is it important to know the active ingredient in a medicine?

Understanding the naming of your medicines can be confusing as each one may have a number of names. One of the names refers to the active ingredient, which is the name of the substance in the medicine that makes it work. Knowing the active ingredient in your medicines will help you to recognise when two different brands are the same medicine.

Medicines may also have another name which is the brand name given to the medicine by the manufacturer. Many medicines are available under several different brands: an original brand and sometimes several other brands (also known as generic). The active ingredient in the generic medicine is the same as in the brand medicine. Packaging may vary, but you will find both the active ingredient and brand name listed on the package.

Some people may worry about using a generic medicine; however they have the same active ingredient, meet the same Australian standards, and are used for the same purpose.

They also have the same potential side effects. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist about what is best for you.

Further information about generic medicines is available at www.nps.org.au/medical-info/consumer-info/medicines-and-brand-names-explained

Examples of Statin medicines
Active ingredient	Examples of Brand names
Atorvastatin	Atorvachol, Atorvastatin, Lipitor, Lorstat, Torvastat, Trovas
Fluvastatin	Lescol, Vastin
Pravastatin	Cholstat, Cholvastin, Lipostat, Pravachol, Pravastat, Pravastatin
Rosuvastatin	Crestor
Simvastatin	Lipex, Ransim, Simvacor, Simvastatin, Simvar, Zimstat, Zocor

Q3: What side effects might occur?

All medicines have some risks attached. You are more likely to experience side effects when you start a new medicine, increase the dose of your medicine or when you add another medicine. Although side effects are often mild and/or temporary, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you become aware of any new unexplained symptoms. Adverse effects may be more common in certain groups, including seniors, those taking multiple medicines and people with complex medical conditions.

Your pharmacist can give you an information leaflet called Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) which includes detailed information about medicines, including side effects.

Q4: What if I am taking a number of medicines?

Medicines can cause unwanted side effects when used alone or together. You may take more than one medicine for a number of reasons. Sometimes a medicine doesn’t combine well with others you may be taking, even non-prescription medicines. If you have any concerns talk to your doctor.

Q5: What if I am taking complementary and alternative medicines?

Many people may not realise that herbal medicines, vitamins and minerals, and nutritional supplements (also known as complementary and alternative medicines) may interact with those prescribed by your doctor. You may have purchased these products over the counter without a prescription, bought them from a supermarket, health food shop, or over the internet. Some foods may also affect the medicines you are taking.

Q6: Why should I keep a list of my current medicines?

It is important to have an updated list of all the medicines you are taking and to know why you are taking them. A Medicines List can also help if you are going into hospital or leaving home for a time. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you prepare your list and print it out for you. This may include the name of each medicine as well as the active ingredient, dose, directions and possible side effects to look out for. Some useful tools are available from NPS MedicineWise.

Q7: How can I remember to take my medicines?

Take your medicines as part of your regular daily routine. Follow the instructions exactly as directed to achieve the best outcomes and to avoid unwanted side effects. It is important to keep the medicines in the original container provided by the pharmacist.

You need to remember:

• which medicine(s) to take
• how often to take them
• when to take them (is my medicine best taken morning or night, before or after meals?)
• what to do if you miss a dose.

Q8: For how long should I take my medicine?

Sometimes a medicine is needed for only a short time until a condition is cured, for example when we take an antibiotic for an infection. If you have an ongoing medical condition it is likely you will need to take a medicine long term.

Always talk to your doctor before stopping, starting or changing your medicines.

Q9: Should my medicines be reviewed?

Having a Home Medicines Review (HMR) can help you better understand your medicines and is a good idea if you are taking a number of different medicines. Your doctor can refer you for an HMR where your pharmacist will visit you to review your medicines. You may like to have a family member or friend with you. Alternatively you may wish to ask your pharmacist for a MedsCheck in the pharmacy to discuss how your prescription, over-the-counter or alternative medicines may be affecting each other.

Q10: How can I make a difference?

Lifestyle is very important! Making some lifestyle changes can make a difference and can reduce the risk of a heart attack, stroke, diabetes and other chronic disease. Some conditions can be better managed with changes to your diet and regular exercise.

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