Why keep a list of your medications handy

When someone at your clinic asks “What medications are you taking?” You might wonder “Why are they asking? Isn’t that in my medical record?”

Likely the list of medicines is in your record. But the medical assistant or doctor asks the question to be sure — for the sake of your health — that the record is accurate and that nothing has changed.

Medication lists are especially important in emergencies

This is particularly important in an emergency. Sometimes patients who are very ill will come in with no family with them. They may share only a small amount of information about the medicines they take.

Depending on the situation, that “bare minimum” information isn’t nearly enough for care teams to feel comfortable taking the next steps. 

Unless the patient or someone close to them provides reliable details, it can take several calls to pharmacies or medical offices to make sure the care team has a complete list. And this time spent tracking down medications may delay urgently needed medical care.

Verifying medications can be complicated

Not knowing all of a patient’s medications can be complicated. Here's why:

• You might have prescriptions filled by more than one pharmacy.
• You might see more than one doctor or provider. 
• Some patients may get care from more than one care team (for example, when transferring from a hospital to skilled nursing center).
• Some medications have more than one name. And some medication names are dangerously similar.
• You might take medications differently than prescribed.
• You might take vitamins, supplements or naturopathic products that aren’t prescribed.
• Healthcare computer systems may not always "talk" to one another, depending on where you go.
• Prescriptions may have been recently changed.

In short, there’s no easy way for healthcare providers to know for certain what you take — unless you tell them.

Make and share your list of medications to prevent errors 

Make a list of all medications you take and help your loved ones do the same. 

Your medication list will be a valuable safety tool for you and your doctors. It can prevent:

• Errors, such as missing medications or doubling up on the same or similar medication. 
• Dosing mistakes (too much or too little). 
• Negative interactions between two or more medications.

Keep an accurate record to help avoid serious complications, admission to the hospital or worse.  

What to include on your list of medications

Your medication list should fully reflect everything you take, including:

• Prescriptions
• Drug samples
• Over-the-counter drugs (for example, aspirin or ibuprofen)
• Vitamins
• Herbal/naturopathic remedies
• Nutritional supplements
• Dietary supplements
• Respiratory therapy treatments
• Radioactive medications
• Diagnostic/contrast agents
• Intravenous medications

While not medications, vaccinations should also be noted.

Other details to put on your medication list

Your list should also include the following information:

• Your name and date of birth. 
• Medication allergies or adverse effects.
• Name of each medication (brand and generic), vitamin, herbal or naturopathic product with:
  • Strength (for example, 200 milligram).
  • How you take it (for example, by mouth, rubbed in, injected, etc.).
  • Quantity or amount (for example, number of pills).
  • When taken (for example, every morning or only as needed).
  • Pharmacy where the order was filled.
  • Doctor who prescribed it.

Where to keep your medication list

Once you have your list compiled, keep it handy. 

Dianna Pimlott, RPH, BS Pharm, director of Pharmacy Services at PeaceHealth in Florence, Oregon, recommends keeping a copy of it in a purse or wallet. 

You may want a family member to also have a copy. If it helps, post it in your medicine cabinet or on your fridge. Just try to make sure it can be found easily in case of emergency.

Regularly check and update your medication list

Along with keeping it handy, it's important to update it when things change. 

“Making sure the list you carry is always accurate, will save you (and your care team) time,” Pimlott says.

Note changes to your list each time you start or stop taking a medication. If you are uncertain about what to include on your list, bring vials with you to your appointments. Pimlott encourages patients to speak up and ask questions as needed.

Your pharmacist or primary care provider may be able to assist you in filling out your list. They can also clearly explain why you’re taking a particular medication. 

If you’re a PeaceHealth patient, check to see if your list matches what is found on your My PeaceHealth record. And after an appointment with your PeaceHealth doctor, see if your after-visit summary has any medication-related notes.

Help others make and update their medication lists

If you're a caregiver or if someone in your family could use help, be ready to assist with their lists as well. Older people may take several medications, which can be hard to track. This also puts them at greater risk for medication errors.

With a handy, accurate medication list, you can protect yourself and others from medication-related harm.