Houston Cardiovascular Associates Houston Cardiovascular Associates

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Questions to Ask About Your Medicines

Overview

It's important to know as much as possible about the medicines you're taking. Here are some examples of questions you might ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What can you tell me about this medicine?

  • What is the name of the medicine?
  • What will the medicine do (for example, lower blood pressure)?
  • How will I know that this medicine is working? How long will it take before I notice anything?
  • What is the next step if this medicine doesn't work?
  • Will I need any tests while I'm on this medicine?
  • How much does the medicine cost?
  • Is an older or less expensive generic version available? Will it work for me?

Why am I taking it?

  • Why is this the right medicine for me?
  • Is there something I can do instead of taking this medicine?
  • Is there a medicine that could be better for me?
  • Can I start with a prescription for a few days to make sure the medicine agrees with me?

When and how do I take it?

  • How is the medicine taken (for example, by mouth [orally] or through a skin patch)?
  • How long will I have to take it? What if I begin to feel better?
  • What amount do I take each time (dose)?
  • How often should it be taken (for example, 3 times a day)?
  • When do I take it (early, late, morning, evening, before bed, once a day, other instructions)?
  • What if I miss a dose? Do I take 2 doses the next time? Do I take the missed dose right away?

What about food and drink?

  • Do I take this medicine with or without food or water?
  • Should I avoid any food or drink when I take it?
  • Should I avoid certain activities or other medicines while taking it?
  • How long before or after eating do I take it? Does it matter?
  • Is it okay to drink alcohol while I'm taking this medicine?

What about side effects and interactions?

  • What side effects can I expect, and how soon might they appear?
  • Will they go away on their own? How long will it take? Can I do anything to prevent or manage them?
  • When should I call about side effects?
  • Do any of my medicines cause a bad reaction with another one or interact with another medical condition?

What else do I need to know?

  • Can I take this medicine at the same time as other medicines?
  • How do I store this medicine? Do I need to put it in the refrigerator?
  • If I have trouble swallowing, can I split the pill or crush it in food or drink?

Reminders

Be sure you understand your doctor's instructions.

State any concerns you have about taking the medicine. For example, ask if "4 doses daily" means taking a dose every 6 hours around the clock or just during regular waking hours.

Learn more

Credits

Current as of: September 25, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: September 25, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Dear patient

I am excited to announce that I will be relocating my practice to Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates. Starting November 4, 2024, my new address will be:

Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates
6550 Fannin St.
Smith Tower, Suite 1901
Houston, TX 77030

Please note that my phone number and fax number will also change to the following:
24-Hour Telephone: 713-441-1100
Fax: 713-790-2643
Clinical Support Telephone (M-F, 8-5): 713-441-3515

I am excited about caring for you in my new office and hope you will make the transition with me. I will also continue to refill your medications as I have in the past. To assist, please provide your pharmacy with my new contact information.

Please consider checking your prescription refills to verify that you have enough medication on hand to last you until your next visit. Please note that your medical records will remain at my former office until you authorize their transfer. If you choose for me to continue providing your medical care, please complete and sign the enclosed “Authorization for Release of Medical Records” form and fax it to 713-790-2643. Once we receive your authorization, we will be happy to process the request for you.

Thank you for entrusting me with your medical care. My new team and I are dedicated to making this transition as seamless as possible. For help scheduling an appointment and transitioning your care, please call my new office number above.

I look forward to continuing your care at my new location.

Sincerely,
Gopi A. Shah, MD

Dear patient

Dr. Albert Raizner, Dr. Michael Raizner, and Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary are excited to announce that our practice, Houston Cardiovascular Associates, will merge with Houston Cardiovascular Associates on November 1, 2024.

Our new offices are similarly located in Houston, near the Texas Medical Center and in Sugar Land. Our in-hospital care will continue at Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center and Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Importantly, our new offices expand our services with state-of-the-art equipment and amenities. Our core values will always be, as they began over 40 years ago when Dr. Albert Raizner founded HCA:

Integrity – Compassion – Accountability

Our new address and contact information are:

Your medical records are confidential and remain available at our new locations. We consider it a privilege to serve as your cardiologists and look forward to your continuing with us. However, should you desire to transfer to another physician, you may request a copy of your records by contacting us at our new addresses and phone numbers listed above.

We thank you for your trust and loyalty. As always, we will continue to be here to take care of you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Albert Raizner,
Dr. Michael Raizner,
Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary