Ask for answers you can use.

• What are we trying to change?
• What might explain the change I have noticed?
• What information could lead to a different plan?
• What options can we discuss that do not involve this drug?

• What is the medicine’s full name, and does it come as a pill, an injection or another form?
• Which product and use are we discussing?
• What evidence addresses the goal I brought to this visit?
• For a medicine prepared to order, what need is being met and under what rule can the pharmacy prepare it?

A medicine prepared to order is called compounded. [A]

FDA, short for Food and Drug Administration, is the US agency that reviews drug products.

As of September 2026, medicines made by compounding have no FDA approval; before marketing, FDA does not check their quality, effects or safety. [A]

A prescription does not turn a made-to-order product into an approved one. [A]

• Who makes the treatment decision?
• Which state permission covers this visit?
• Which pharmacy supplies the medicine, and what is its full name?
• When I have a question, how do I reach my care provider or a pharmacist?

FDA’s pharmacy checklist includes state licensing, a valid prescription and a licensed pharmacist available to answer your questions. [B]

• What is included in the quoted amount?
• What is charged separately for medicine, tests or follow-up?
• What changes after an offer ends?
• What are the renewal and cancellation terms?
• Who explains results and reviews the plan with me?

Keep the answers in your own notes. Leave room beside each question for a name, a term or a point that still needs explaining.