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You have questions. That’s totally normal—there’s a lot to consider when taking prescription drugs. The important part is discussing crucial aspects of your medications with your health care provider.

If your mind goes blank at the first sight of an exam room, no worries. Evan Sisson, PharmD, MHA, CDE, associate professor in the Department of Pharmacotherapy and Outcomes Science at Virginia Commonwealth University, came up with a handy pneumonic device, STEPS, to make sure all of your important medication questions are asked—and answered.

Safety

How safe is this medicine? What side effects or risks, such as hypoglycemia (low blood glucose), do I need to be aware of?

Tolerability

Is it going to upset my stomach? Will there be mild side effects, such as increased urination, that I need to figure out how to deal with?

Efficacy

What can I expect, and when will I see my blood glucose or other health measures get to my target range?

Price

How much is this going to cost me? Is it on my formulary? Are there less expensive medications or formulations?

Simplicity

Can I take this drug once a day? Does it matter what time of day?