SIX STEPS TO MEDICATION SAFETY

Get the Facts: taking medicines involves many decisions.  Follow the easy steps below to help prevent problems and increase your safety.


Step 1: Know Your Medicines

  • Over-the-counter drugs, herbals, vitamins and supplements are medicines.
  • Follow instructions and any warnings on containers about how and when to take your medicine.
  • Learn how your medicine might work with other medicines or foods.
  • It is important to know why you are taking a new medicine and the reason for stopping a medicine.
  • If you are discharged from the hospital with different medicines than your usual at home, be sure you know why they were changed.

Step 2: Use Medicines Correctly and Ask Questions

  • When you start a new medicine, be sure to get answers to these questions:
    • Why am I taking this medicine?
    • How long should I take it?
    • When should I take it?
    • If I forget to take it, what should I do?
    • Should I take it with food?
    • Can I drink alcohol (beer, wine or mixed drinks) with it?
  • Call your doctor if you have any problems from the medicine that bother you.
  • Check the expiration date on the package to know when to throw unused medicine away.
  • Do not take someone else’s prescription medicines.

 

Step 3: Organize your Medicines

  • Store medicines in their original containers.
  • Keep your medicines in the same place, where it’s easy to remember to take them on time.
  • Using a chart or pill organizer can help. Pill organizers are available at pharmacies and grocery stores. Choose a style that works for you and use it according to the directions.
  • Keep all medicines away from children.

Step 4: Keep a Health Record

  • Keep a list of all your medicines, allergies, and vaccinations – include the name of the medicines, how much you take, when and why you take it, and any special directions.
  • Write down the names of your doctors and your pharmacy. It is also a good idea to keep a list of all your health problems, and the dates of surgeries, major tests, or procedures.
  • Ask us for a copy of a Medication Record. Fill it out and bring a current copy to all your appointments (or bring all your medicines in a bag). Keep a copy handy for emergencies.

Step 5: Work with Your Health Care Providers

  • Tell all your health care providers about all your medicines.
  • If you are in the hospital, ask the nurse about each medicine you are given and why you are taking it.
  • Ask if any lab tests are needed to check how your medicines are working.
  • Use only one pharmacy as much as possible.  The pharmacist can check for any possible problems.


Step 6: When You Refill Your Prescriptions:

  • Check labels to see when your prescriptions need to be renewed.
  • Ask for written prescriptions at an offi ce or clinic visit, before your current prescription runs out. Asking the offi ce to call in a prescription to the pharmacy can lead to confusion and delays.
  • Check your medicine refill and tell the pharmacist if it looks different.