3.Take advantage of pharmacy consults.
At the pharmacy, ask for (or accept, if it's offered automatically) a consultation with the pharmacist. Sometimes pharmacists are easier to talk to than doctors, and they can explain whether the drug should be taken alone or with meals and what side effects you need to be alert for. Pharmacists are also highly knowledgeable about medication interactions, so if you have a chance, ask the pharmacist to review your list of medications as a safety check.
4. In the hospital, be proactive both prior to and after surgery.
Prior to surgery, ask if there's anything you need to stop taking, and how soon before surgery you should stop. Afterward, when doctors and nurses come around to administer medication, ask them (assuming you're conscious) to explain what drugs you're being given and what effect they're meant to have. If you're not going to be conscious for a length of time and you have someone accompanying you, ask him or her to do this for you.
5. Go home prepared to follow up.
During the hospital discharge process, ask to be sent home with a list of all the medications you were given during your stay, plus those that you'll be taking home with you. Have your regular doctor or nurse go over them with you to make sure you understand how they should be taken.
