Why you need a medication list

The world is more and more turning into a pill for every ill and one person can end up taking over 5 medications! Today we will not be talking on the dangers of poly-medication but a quick tip on how to track your medications.

Why would one need to keep track of the medicines?

Are they not all safe? Here are a few reasons of why you need to keep track of the medicines you take.             

• Medicines are meant for good; however, not all medicines mix well with other medication. Keeping a list and updating your health care provider with it helps them to check for potential harmful drug interactions (as a result of mixing)          

• This list will also avoid problems of double prescribing. Most times patients forget the medications they are on, they go to a pharmacy or hospital and the doctor gives them something similar to what they already have. This can lead to an overdose and also a waste of money.            

• Helps keep caretakers and patients reminded of the main instructions on how to take the medications.              

• Helps the elderly remember what medicines they are taking and most importantly the strength. Many times a patient will walk in asking for her ‘regular’ medication but cannot remember if she takes 1mg, 2mg, or 3mg.      

• Eases follow up by health care professional when checking for how you take your medications and if you have difficulties.

How do get the most out of this list?              

• Always keep it up to date: each time you are given a new prescription or you buy a new medication (including herbal, vitamins, dietary supplements etc), fill in the list.              

• Give a copy to your family doctor, pharmacy and a trusted friend              

• Follow the instructions on the list.

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Here below is a free copy of the list, download, print and fill. Happy new month of May and happy labor day.

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