A guide to care choices

What do I want answered before I decide?

Take this list to a care discussion. Mark a question when the answer is clear enough to explain back in your own words. In this guide, FDA is short for the US Food and Drug Administration.

Mark a question after you have a clear answer.The concernCan we assess the memory concern before deciding whether a peptide has a role?The alternativesWhat other options can we discuss, including a plan without this medicine?The evidenceWhat research shows whether this exact medicine helps memory when given in the way proposed, such as by pill or injection?The productWhat is this medicine’s complete name? Does it have FDA approval, or has a doctor or pharmacist prepared or changed it for an individual patient?The clinicianWho is assessing me, and how can I check permission to practise where I will be?The pharmacyWhich pharmacy would make or supply the medicine, and where can I check its licence?The billWhat is the full cost, including tests, medicine, repeat fees and follow-up?The next stepWhom can I ask about unwanted effects or a problem after the visit?

What if I do not understand the answer?

Ask for it in plain words. Ask the clinician to spell out the product name, explain any term and say what the next step involves.

A short written answer can be easier to revisit than a long explanation. Keep the unanswered question visible. You do not have to turn a question into a decision during the same conversation.

Where can I check an answer later?

Check a product-status answer Check what a price includes Find a licence record Choose a source to read