Preparing for an appointment

See your doctor if you experience signs or symptoms that may be related to a drug you recently started taking or take regularly. Be prepared to answer the following questions. These details will be important in helping your doctor determine the cause of your symptoms.

• What symptoms did you experience? Don't leave out details even if they seem unrelated.
• When did the symptoms start? Be as specific as possible.
• How long did the symptoms last?
• What new drug have you taken?
• When did you take it?
• Have you stopped taking the new drug?
• What other over-the-counter or prescription drugs do you take?
• What herbal medications, vitamins or other dietary supplements do you take?
• At what time of day do you take your other medications or supplements?
• Have you increased the dosage of any regular drug or supplement?
• Have you stopped taking your regular medications or supplements?
• Did you take anything to treat your symptoms, and what was the effect?
• Have you had a reaction to a drug in the past? If so, what drug was it?
• Do you have hay fever, food allergy or other allergies?
• Is there a history of drug allergies in your family?

You may want to take pictures of any condition, such as a rash or swelling, to show your doctor. These may help your doctor if signs and symptoms have subsided by the time of your appointment.