Who would help if a problem came up?

Ask who would answer a concern

Could a licensed doctor answer you after the delivery? Lack of that access is a warning sign on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) online-care checklist.

• How would I reach the person responsible for my care?
• What happens outside their usual response times?
• Which concerns need urgent help rather than a message?
• Who follows up if I have not heard back?

Get instructions for the actual product

Storage varies by product: some peptide medicines need a refrigerator while others use room-temperature storage.

The product label and the pharmacy’s instructions set the storage conditions for that medicine.

• Go through the label with the pharmacist and ask about unfamiliar words.
• Ask what to do if delivery conditions or packaging seem wrong.
• Ask who can resolve a mismatch between the label and other instructions.

When is it an emergency?

The National Library of Medicine publishes patient information through MedlinePlus.

MedlinePlus describes anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, as a threat to life.

Breathing difficulties, trouble swallowing and swelling in the face or tongue can be signs.

For severe signs, MedlinePlus directs people to call 911 or their local emergency number. MedlinePlus also gives going to the nearest emergency room as an option.

Seek urgent help for those signs rather than trying to work out their cause yourself.

• Ask the doctor what urgent signs apply to the proposed treatment.
• Write down how to get urgent help before starting treatment.

How do I report a medicine concern?

MedWatch accepts reports from patients about medicine problems. This FDA reporting service is free to use.

Sending a report puts the concern on record, without proving what caused it.

• Ask the prescriber how they record and follow up on a concern.
• Keep the product details to hand for that conversation.
• Use the MedWatch source below if you want to submit a report.