Advertisement
Be sure to tell your doc about over-the-counter pills and powders
A: Long story short, yes! Every time you head to the doctor’s office, it’s the same question: “What medications are you taking?” You may know exactly which prescription medications you take every day — but even the most diligent patient may not realize how important it is to tell your healthcare provider about the over-the-counter medications and supplements you take, too.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
If you’re taking multiple medications, your doctor will want to be on the lookout for possible drug interactions. Before writing you a new prescription, your provider will take a look at your chart to see what else you already take — but just as prescription medications can interact with one another, so too can they interact with over-the-counter painkillers and allergy medications, herbal supplements and even your daily vitamins.
Let’s say, for example, that you have an infection, and your doctor puts you on an antibiotic. Calcium and iron supplements can bind to certain antibiotics, making it harder for your body to absorb them — which ultimately makes that medication less impactful on your infection. That’s just one of many examples that drives home why it’s so vital that your doctor knows exactly what you take in order for them to make an informed decision about your care.
I recommend that you keep an updated list of everything you take, whether it’s written on a piece of paper that you keep in your wallet or stored in an app on your phone. That way, when the doctor’s office asks you, “What medications are you taking?” you’ll be able to simply show them the list.
–Family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
The essential nutrient can benefit your immune system, eyes and skin while lowering disease risk
Supplements with colloidal silver offer no proven health benefits and could be harmful
If you’re taking supplements, it’s important to understand which vitamins and minerals you can get too much of, like vitamin C and calcium
Found in colorful foods like spinach, corn and oranges, this carotenoid helps with eye, skin and liver health
If you think SARMs are a safe way to build muscle — think again
There are several vitamins and mineral supplements that many people can benefit from — but it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before you start one
The supplement shouldn’t replace a healthy diet, but it can help you get in your fruits and veggies
If you have low B12 or a true deficiency, these shots can work wonders
Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress
PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body
While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims