PATIENTS & VISITORS' GUIDE

Medication Card 

 The Importance of Keeping an Up-to-Date Medication List

A FACT SHEET FOR PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS

One of the most common types of medical mistakes has to do with medication errors-when patients take too many, too few, or the wrong pills. The good news is that patients and family members can help prevent medication errors.

You can help prevent errors by knowing all about the medications you take. But this can be hard to do. To help, make a list of all your medications. Then bring this list each time you see a doctor or nurse. Your medication list should include: 

A LIST OF YOUR MEDICATIONS

• Names of all your medications (include over-the counter and herbal remedies)
• Dosages (how much of each medication you take)
• Time (when you take each medication)
• Ways you take each medication (such as pill, patch or liquid)
• Reason for taking the medication 
   

UP-TO-DATE MEDICATION INFORMATION

• Make sure to keep your medication list up-to-date.
• Ask the doctor or nurse if your list includes all the medications you take now.
• Change the information on your list each time you start or stop taking a medication.
• Ask a pharmacist to review your medication list and make any changes.
• Make sure that your medications do not interact with one another. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are not sure.
• Try to use the same pharmacy for all your prescriptions and refills, so that your pharmacist can tell you about medications you should not take at the same time.
• Throw away all medications you no longer take.
• Bring your medication list with you each time you go to the hospital, emergency room or clinic

Reference: Institute for Healthcare Improvement

You may request a medication card be sent to you.  This wallet-size card is free and on it you can list your medication, reason for the medication, etc.  Please call 978.236.1641 to receive your free card.