About this topic
Drugs are used for many things. They can treat and cure diseases. Some drugs help manage health problems. Others ease pain and suffering. Most drugs are safe when taken the right way. There is also the chance of harm when mistakes happen. Mistakes can happen at home, at the pharmacy, and in the hospital. One way to help prevent mistakes is by keeping a list of all the drugs you take and knowing how you are supposed to take them. Share this list with all your doctors. Take it to the hospital with you. Keep this list up to date. A serious mistake with your drugs could mean a visit to the ER or even cause death. ‚
General
Know Your Drugs: ‚
- Keep a list of all the drugs you take. Carry it with you at all times in a purse or wallet. Also, make a copy to keep at home.
- Include all of your prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Also include any natural products or vitamins you take.
- Update your list when your drugs change.
- You may want to include these things on your list for each drug, natural product, or vitamin you take:
- Name and dose of the drug
- What the drug looks like
- Time of day you take it, like morning, before bed, only when sneezing, etc.
- Why you are taking the drug, such as to treat high blood pressure or for an infection
- Name of the doctor who ordered the drug
- Name and phone number of the pharmacy where you get your prescription filled
- Show your list to your doctor at each visit or bring in all of your drugs.
- This lets your doctor check to make sure you are not on more than one drug to treat the same thing. It also lets the doctor check to make sure one drug is not interfering with some other drug.
- It also gives you a chance to make sure you have the prescriptions and refills you need.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- If you feel you are having side effects from a drug. In the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
- If you have started taking a new drug and notice changes in the way you feel, like feeling dizzy or confused.
- If you have questions about any of the drugs you take
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
- Make sure all of your doctors know about every drug you are taking. Give them the list of your drugs. Ask if any new drugs will interact with your current drugs.
- Let all doctors know about any drug allergies you have.
- If you have a very bad allergy, wear an allergy ID at all times.
- Never share your drugs. Never take anyone elses drugs.
- Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
- Read the drug package insert for more details.
- When in doubt, ask questions before taking any drug.
Where can I learn more?
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality ‚
http://www.ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/diagnosis-treatment/treatments/safemeds/yourmeds.html ‚
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists ‚
http://www.safemedication.com/safemed/MyMedicineList.aspx ‚
Food and Drug Administration ‚
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm096407.pdf ‚
Institute for Safe Medication Practices ‚
http://www.ismp.org/tools/personal_med_form/default.asp ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚