Topical treatments work best when they are used properly. Your doctor and pharmacist can help you use your medication safely and effectively and give you a better idea of what to expect during treatment. Here are a few questions to ask:
- What is the name of my medication?
- How does my medication work?
- What is the proper way to apply my medication?
- When should I expect my medication to start working?
- What should I do if my medication doesn't seem to be working?
- What side effects should I watch for and what should I do about them?
- Can the medication stain my skin or clothes?
- If my symptoms improve, should I stop taking the medication? Or should I slowly ease off the medication? Or should I check with the doctor or pharmacist first?
- How long will I need to continue taking my medication?
- If I miss a dose, what should I do?
- Are there any groups of people that should avoid this medication (e.g., pregnancy, breast-feeding, certain health conditions)?
- Are there certain foods, drinks, activities, or other medications I should avoid while I'm using this medication?
- How should I store my medication?
- Are there other things I can do (such as lifestyle changes) to help with my symptoms and prevent flare-ups?
Preparing a list of questions ahead of time can help you to remember to ask all of your questions. You can use our list as a model, and add any new questions that you may come up with. You may also want to save it on your smartphone or tablet or have a friend come to your visit to take notes.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2023. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Psoriasis-Spotlight-on-Topical-Treatment