If your doctor suggests you take a new drug – ask this first!

If you like your doctor – you probably assume he or she knows what’s best...

But according to Marianne Legato, author of “Eve’s Rib,” there are some important questions to ask before taking a new medicine they suggest. She says many new drugs are riskier than most people think – and the extent of risks for any given drug are generally not known until after it has been used by far more people and for longer periods of time. Before agreeing to take a new medication, be sure to ask:

• Why do I need to take this drug? Your doctor should clarify why this drug is better than any other.

• What are the possible side effects? There is no such thing as a drug with zero potential adverse effects. Your doctor should know them all, no matter how rare - and outline what to do if problems arise.

• How long has this drug been on the market? Unless absolutely necessary, try to avoid taking a brand new medication.

• What is your own experience in prescribing this drug? Your doctor should have firsthand knowledge of the medication, rather than prescribing it based solely on its reputation.

Dr. Legato says women should be especially careful. They are much more prone to adverse drug reactions than men because of differences in hormones, metabolism, biochemistry and anatomy. If a new drug is prescribed – women should ask specifically how women reacted in clinical trials.