Can I take my medications if I am going to the laboratory to have a fasting blood test?

Unless you receive specific instructions from your doctor or nurse, you should continue taking your current medications as prescribed before a fasting blood test.

How do I know when to stop a medication?

You should not stop a medication without first speaking with your doctor. It is important that your doctor know why you no longer want to take one or more of your prescribed medications. If it is a cost issue or if you experienced problems with the medication, your doctor may be able to prescribe an alternative medication, find ways to lower your out-of-pocket medication costs, or even stop the medication.

What questions should I ask my doctor or pharmacist about my new or existing medications?

We’ve created a list of questions you may want to ask your doctor or pharmacist about your medications. Some of the most important include:

  • Why was I prescribed this medication?
  • What does this medication do?
  • How should I take this medication?
  • What problems might I expect from this medication?
  • Can I take this with my other prescription and over-the-counter medications?