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Medication tips
By AJ Murphy
What do I need to know about my medication?
Taking a new medicine can be a big deal. It’s important to know everything about your medicine before you take it. Here are some questions that you should ask your doctor before starting a new medication:
- Why am I taking this medicine?
- What does it do for me?
- How should I take this medicine? For how long?
- Are there any side effects?
- Could I have an allergic reaction?
- What should I do if I have a side effect or allergic reaction?
- What will happen if I don’t take this medicine?
I want to know more about my medication
You should always read any information that comes with your medicine. If you have any questions, you can call your pharmacist or provider. You can also find information about your medicine on our Member Portal. Or visit Caremark.com, where you can search things like:
- Interactions with other medicines
- Medication risks
- Medication safety
- Generic availability
About the author
AJ Murphy is an evocative young writer who grew up in Boston's Charlestown neighborhood. AJ began his writing career at Alaska Ice Rinks Inc. in Anchorage, AK, where he also drove a Zamboni and took care of outdoor hockey rinks.
If you’ve ever had the flu, you know how bad it can be. Getting the flu shot is one way to help prevent against the flu, and it's covered by your health plan. The other way is to understand flu myths and facts, so you can stay healthy.
Be prepared for flu season
A flu vaccine (shot) is your best chance to avoid the flu. It’s best to get a shot each year, as soon the flu shot is available in your area. This can be done at your doctor’s office or a health clinic.
The flu vaccine is available in several forms. Most are given in an arm muscle with a needle. Talk with your doctor about which form is best for you.
Myth vs. Fact
M: You can catch the flu from the flu shot
F: A flu shot cannot cause the flu virus.1 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for just about everyone ages 6 months and older. If you're not sure if you should get the flu shot, check with your doctor first.
M: The flu shot is expensive.
F: The flu shot is covered by your health plan. If you're enrolled, make sure you get your flu shot at no extra cost.
M: The flu shot shouldn't be given at the same time as other vaccines.
F: The flu shot can be given at the same time as other vaccines,2 including the pneumococcal vaccine.
M: Getting the flu shot is all you need to do to protect yourself from the flu.
F: Getting the flu shot is one way to protect yourself. Make sure you also avoid contact with people who have the flu. And remember to wash your hands often.
M: Antibiotics help with the flu.
F: Antibiotics don't necessarily treat the flu. They only help with infections caused by bacteria. Antiviral drugs like TAMIFLU® can fight the flu virus, so you can feel better faster.
1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD). Misconceptions about seasonal flu and flu vaccines. September 25, 2018. Available at: cdc.gov/flu/prevent/misconceptions.htm?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fflu%2Fabout%2Fqa%2Fmisconceptions.htm. Accessed May 20, 2019.
2Georgia Department of Public Health. Adult influenza and pneumococcal vaccines FAQ.
Available at: dph.georgia.gov/sites/dph.georgia.gov/files/Immunizations/Flu-Season-Flu-Pneu-FAQs.pdf. Accessed May 20, 2019.
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