Questions
Ask a specialist
This site does not answer questions about treatment and has no consultation form. Instead, it brings together questions that are worth asking your own doctor and pharmacist — so that you leave the surgery or the pharmacy with clarity rather than guesses. The notes under each question explain why it is worth asking, but they do not replace a conversation with a professional.
There are no awkward questions about medicines. Doctors and pharmacists are used to explaining, and a quick question now will spare you doubts at home.
How this section works: these are questions to ask your doctor and pharmacist, not answers about treatment. They are grouped by situation — being prescribed a medicine, buying it at the pharmacy and a reaction after taking it. The notes are general and are not medical advice.
For your doctor, when prescribed
Why have I been prescribed this medicine?
Understanding the purpose helps you avoid stopping too early and notice if something is going wrong. Ask for an explanation in plain words.
How should I take it, and for how long?
Ask for it to be written down, or check that it matches what is on your prescription. Ask what to do if you miss a dose.
Does it go with what I already take?
Mention everything: regular medicines, prescriptions from other doctors, supplements and herbal teas. It is easier to bring the packs or a list of them with you.
What should I watch for after I start taking it?
Ask which sensations are expected and which mean you should contact the doctor straight away. This will make it easier to judge how you are feeling.
For your pharmacist
Is this the same as what my doctor prescribed?
If the pharmacy offers a medicine with a different brand name, ask to see the INN and the dosage form and compare them with your prescription. If they differ, check with your doctor.
How should I store this medicine at home?
The pharmacist will show you where the leaflet gives the storage conditions and point out if it needs the fridge or protection from light.
How long does it keep once opened?
For drops, syrups and ointments this period is often shorter than the overall shelf life. Ask to be shown where it is stated.
Where can I hand in expired medicines?
The pharmacy may know where expired medicines are collected in your area, or advise you what to do if there is no such place.
If a reaction appears
Should I stop taking it?
Do not decide this on your own unless the situation is life-threatening: contact the doctor who prescribed the medicine and describe what happened. If a life is at risk, call 103 or 112.
What should I tell the doctor about the reaction?
When you started taking the medicine, when the changes appeared, what they look like and what else you were taking. Keep the pack — it shows the name and the batch number.
Where else can I report a side effect?
As well as telling your treating doctor, you can report a side effect of a medicine to Roszdravnadzor. Such reports help monitor the safety of medicines.
Should it be noted in my medical records?
Ask the doctor to record the reaction in your medical notes. That way other professionals who prescribe for you will know about it too.
Read next
- Leaflet
How to read the leaflet section by section, how dosage forms differ and what “prescription only” means.
- Topics
Topics by group: leaflet and pack, storage, special situations and safety. The article catalogue is here too.
- Glossary
Words from the pack and the leaflet: INN, brand name, dosage form, batch number, contraindications.
Sources
- Roszdravnadzor (Russian health watchdog) — pharmacovigilance
- Package leaflets / instructions for medical use
- Emergency numbers in Russia: 103 and 112
Information is current as of the preparation date. Rules on medicines, labelling requirements and the procedure for reporting side effects can change — always check the leaflet for your specific medicine and confirm the details with a doctor or pharmacist.