When you visit your pharmacist to fill a prescription, take time to ask a few questions:

• What foods, drinks, or activities should I avoid? Alcohol, other medications, and foods can affect the way a medication works.
• Are there medicines or supplements I should not take when using this medicine? Check with your physician or pharmacist before you take any herb, vitamin, or nonprescription medication.
• Could this medication cause any side effects? Talk with your physician or pharmacist right away if you notice side effects such as sleepiness or dizziness when you take a medication.

—Rajeev Verma, Pharm.D., clinical pharmacist, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey