Talking With a Health Professional
A printable checklist for talking with your doctor, pharmacist or surgical team about herbs, supplements and natural remedies: what to bring, what to say and what to ask.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
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Why this conversation matters
Official health sources agree on one point: tell the people who care for you about everything you take. NIH's complementary health center says it is important to "tell all your health care providers about all dietary supplements and medications you take" so they can help you avoid harmful interactions. [1] The FDA explains the reason: certain supplements can change how a medicine is absorbed, broken down or cleared from the body. [2]
"Everything" includes more than pills. NIH's National Institute on Aging advises you to "mention everything, even ones you use infrequently." [3] In this library, teas, tinctures, oils, powders and "natural" products belong on the list too.
Who to tell
- Your prescriber and any specialist. They know which medicines you take and why.
- Your pharmacist. The FDA advises talking to a doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional before deciding to use a dietary supplement. [4] See questions to ask your pharmacist.
- Your surgical, anesthesia and dental teams. NIH says some supplements may increase bleeding risk or affect the response to anesthesia, so tell the team as far ahead as possible. [5] Ask the team what they want you to do; this page gives no stop-dates. See supplements before surgery.
- Everyone else who treats you, including physical therapists and dentists. The National Institute on Aging suggests showing your list to all of them. [3]
What to bring
| Item | |
|---|---|
| ☐ | A written list of every prescription and over-the-counter medicine, including supplements, with how often you take each one and the amounts. NIH and the FDA both suggest this. [1] [2] |
| ☐ | The bottles or packages, if you can. NIH says this can help your provider answer questions about the ingredients. [1] |
| ☐ | Teas, tinctures, oils, powders and other "natural" products, not only pills. |
| ☐ | Anything new since your last visit, and anything you stopped. |
| ☐ | Changes in your health. The FDA asks you to mention pregnancy, breastfeeding, recent illness or surgery. [2] |
| ☐ | Past reactions to medicines, such as rashes, trouble breathing or dizziness. [3] |
If you want a ready-made form, use the printable medicine and supplement list.
What to ask
This list is our suggestion. Each question follows a topic that the official sources above raise.
| Question | |
|---|---|
| ☐ | Could this cause problems with any prescription, over-the-counter medicine or supplement I take? [3] |
| ☐ | Is it a concern with my health conditions? NIH says supplements may pose risks if you have certain medical problems. [5] |
| ☐ | If I have surgery or a procedure, what do you want me to do about it? |
| ☐ | Is it a concern in pregnancy, breastfeeding or for a child? NIH notes many supplements have not been tested in pregnant women, nursing mothers or children. [5] |
| ☐ | Which side effects should make me call you? |
| ☐ | How would we tell whether it is helping? |
| ☐ | If I am being treated for cancer or HIV: does this affect my treatment? NIH says to discuss all supplements with your provider in that case. [1] |
Do not stop or change a prescribed medicine on your own. If you are worried about one, ask the prescriber or pharmacist.
Keep the list current
NIH advises updating the information at each visit. [1] The FDA also suggests calling your provider before adding a new supplement, and mentioning what else you take. [2]
Related pages
How interactions work · Reading supplement labels · Amounts and duplicate ingredients · How to tell your doctor without feeling judged
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need to tell my doctor about herbal teas and "natural" products?
Yes. The National Institute on Aging advises mentioning everything you take, including products you use only now and then. [3] A product being "natural" does not make it free of effects; the FDA states that natural does not always mean safe. [2]
Should I bring the actual bottles?
NIH says you could bring the bottles, because this can help your provider answer questions about the ingredients. [1] The FDA notes that some people find it easiest to put all their products in a bag for the visit. [2]
Who should I tell first, the doctor or the pharmacist?
The sources do not rank them. They advise telling all of your providers. [1] Start with whoever you will see first, and share the same list with the other.
What if I am pregnant, breastfeeding, or asking about a child?
Say so at the start. The FDA asks you to tell your provider about pregnancy or breastfeeding, and notes that children process substances at different rates at different ages. [2] See pregnancy and breastfeeding and children and teens.
Can I stop a medicine if I think a supplement is better?
Please ask first. The National Institute on Aging advises talking with a health care provider before stopping a medicine. [3] The prescriber or pharmacist can discuss your concerns.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH, US). Know the Science: Talk With Your Health Care Providers. Read 2026-10-23.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Mixing Medications and Dietary Supplements Can Endanger Your Health (consumer update, content current as of 2022). Read 2026-10-23.
- National Institute on Aging (NIH, US). Taking Medicines Safely as You Age. Read 2026-10-23.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Information for Consumers on Using Dietary Supplements. Read 2026-10-23.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH, US). Using Dietary Supplements Wisely. Read 2026-10-23.