Why a List Helps People Who Take Multiple Medications
Managing multiple medications every day can be confusing. You might forget when to take them or how much to take. A medication list is a simple tool that can help you stay safe and organized. It can also help your doctors and pharmacists give you the best care. This article explains why keeping a medication list is important for people managing multiple prescriptions. We also share some medication safety tips to help you.
What Is a Medication List?
A medication list shows all the medications you take. This includes:
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medications
- Vitamins
- Supplements
- Herbal products
You can keep your medication list on paper or on your phone to have with you wherever you go.
What Should Your Medication List Include?
Make sure your medication list has:
- The name of each medication (brand name or generic name, if you know it)
- The medication strength (like 5 mg)
- How many tablets or pills you take (like two pills)
- When you take it (morning, afternoon, night)
- How many times a day you take it (like once a day)
- What the medication is for (like diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.)
- Any allergies or bad reactions to medications
- Any vitamins or supplements you take
- Your doctor’s name and phone number (this can help in emergencies)
If you need help making your medication list, your doctor or pharmacist can help.
Why Is a Medication List Important?
When you are taking multiple medications, it can be easy to forget or mix things up. A list can help you in many ways:
- Helps you remember. A medication list keeps everything in one place to show you what to take and when.
- Keeps your doctors and pharmacists informed. If you see more than one doctor, each one needs to know all the medications you take. Your medication list is the best way to share this information with them.
- Prevents errors. Your doctors and pharmacists can catch problems with your medication if they have your complete medication list. This can lower your chance of taking the wrong dose or taking medications that do not work well together.
- Helpful in emergencies. Your medication list can help doctors at the hospital safely treat you in case of an emergency hospital visit.
- Tracks changes. Sometimes your medications change. A medication list helps you keep track of new medications, stopped medications, or changed dosages.
- Makes taking medications easier. Knowing what and when to take your medication can help you feel better and avoid mistakes.
Keep Your Medication List Up-to-Date
Because medications can change often, it is important to keep your medication list current.
- Update your list every time a medication is added, stopped, or changed.
- Keep your medication list with you, like in your wallet or on your phone.
- Bring your medication list with you when you see your doctor or go to the pharmacy.
- Ask your pharmacist to look it over and make sure that your list is correct.
- Use your pharmacy’s app or online account to view and update your medication list.
The Benefits of Using One Pharmacy for All Your Medications
Getting all your medication from one pharmacy can make it easier to create a medication list. It also helps your pharmacists because they can:
- See your full medication list
- Keep your medication list up to date for you
- Help you avoid taking medications that do not work well together
How Technology Helps You Manage Multiple Medications
Many pharmacies offer apps or online patient accounts. These tools can make managing your medication list easier because you can:
- View your entire medication list anytime
- Get reminders when it is time to take your medications
- Check refill statuses
- Receive important messages from your pharmacy
If you are an ExactCare patient, click here to learn more about the online ExactCare account.
Tips for Managing Multiple Medications
Taking many medications can be tricky. Here are some medication safety tips to help:
- Take your medications at the same time each day as instructed
- If you have difficulty taking your medications, special packaging is available to make it easier
- Properly store your medication
- Refill your medication before you run out
- Avoid taking expired medication
- Use a medication log on your phone so you know what medication you have taken for the day
- Watch for any side effects or changes in how you feel, and tell your doctor if you notice anything new
You Are the Most Important Part of Your Care Team
Keeping and sharing a medication list is one of the best tips to help yourself stay safe and healthy. If you need help making your medication list or have questions about managing multiple medications, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.
Sources Behind This Post
https://www.uhc.com/news-articles/medicare-articles/5-things-to-consider-when-taking-multiple-medications#:~:text=That%20way%2C%20the%20provider%20will,drug%20coverage%20details%20and%20more. https://www.cdc.gov/older-adult-drivers/media/pdfs/MyMedications-List-Tribal.pdf
