5 Things to Check When You Get a New Prescription

Medications often have two names:

• Brand name (e.g., Zithromax)

• Generic name (e.g., azithromycin)

It’s common for pharmacies to substitute the generic — which is perfectly safe — but the change in name can confuse patients.

Always confirm:

• Is this the medication my provider prescribed?

• Is this the brand or generic version?

• Are the pills, capsules, or packaging unfamiliar compared to what I’ve had before?

If something looks different, ask.
A 10-second question can prevent major medication errors.

Dosing mistakes are one of the most common causes of medication harm.

When you receive your prescription, check:

• How much you should take

• How often

• For how many days

• Whether the dose is safe for your age, kidney function, liver function, and weight

Examples:

• Some antibiotics are taken once daily, others twice daily

• Steroids like prednisone must follow specific tapers

• Blood pressure meds differ in strength depending on other conditions

If the instructions feel unclear, don’t guess — message your provider.

Even safe medications can become risky when combined with others.

Always check:

• Prescription medications

• Over-the-counter meds (ibuprofen, antihistamines, sleep aids)

• Supplements (magnesium, St. John’s Wort, fish oil)

• Recreational substances (alcohol, cannabis)

Examples:

• Ibuprofen + certain blood pressure meds can stress the kidneys

• Antibiotics + birth control may reduce contraceptive effectiveness

• Fluconazole + statins can affect liver metabolism

• Decongestants + hypertension may raise blood pressure

Your pharmacy, provider, or even an app can check interactions instantly — but only if you ask.

How you take a medication changes how well it works.

Check:

• Should it be taken with food or on an empty stomach?

• Morning or evening?

• Should the pill be swallowed whole, chewed, or dissolved?

• Are there foods or drinks to avoid (grapefruit, dairy, caffeine)?

• Should you avoid alcohol while taking it?

• Can you drive or work safely on this medication?

Small details matter:

• Some antibiotics don’t absorb well with dairy

• Thyroid medication works best on an empty stomach

• Many medications cause drowsiness — or the opposite, insomnia

Your safety and results depend on these small but crucial instructions.

Every medication has benefits — and potential side effects.

You should know:

• Common, expected side effects

• What’s normal vs. what’s concerning

• Emergency symptoms that require immediate care

For example:

• Mild nausea with antibiotics? Common.

• Severe rash? Not normal — stop and contact a provider.

• Drowsiness with an allergy medication? Expected.

• Trouble breathing? Emergency.

At CallOnDoc, we always highlight what to watch for, but you can (and should) ask for clarification whenever something feels unclear.

A simple list or medication-tracking app can:

• Prevent drug interactions

• Help providers adjust dosages

• Make ER visits safer

• Ensure accurate telehealth care

Include:

• Name

• Dose

• Frequency

• Reason for taking it

• Start date

• Who prescribed it

• Any reactions you’ve had

This protects you — and helps us provide better care.

When you receive a prescription through CallOnDoc, you also get:

• Clear instructions written in plain language

• Details on how to take your medication correctly

• Side-effect warnings

• Interaction screening

• Follow-up if symptoms don’t improve

• The ability to message your provider with questions

Our goal is simple: Medicine Made Easy — and safe.

Final Takeaway

A new prescription shouldn’t be stressful.
By checking these five key things —
✔ the medication name
✔ the dose
✔ interactions
✔ usage instructions
✔ red flags —
you can dramatically reduce errors and feel more confident in your care.

Taking a few minutes to double-check could prevent a medication problem later — and can be one of the most important steps you take for your health.