Personal Medication List

Posted on March 2, 2016

Even if you don’t participate in the MTM Program, it’s still a good idea to create a Personal Medication List. While your doctor may have a list of your medications in his or her files, you might be seeing more than one doctor. Having a Personal Medication List can reduce your medication risks and prevent medical errors. It may also help you and your caregivers keep track of what drugs you need to take.

Create your own medication list or use one of the many online medication list templates that you can print out.

Whichever method you choose, always remember to do the following:

• Update your medication list each time your medication or dosage changes, or you begin taking a new medication.
• List all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, herbals, vitamins and minerals.
• Include the dates you started using each medication.
• Be sure to write out any drug allergies or side-effects you have or have had in the past.
• Cross out medications when you no longer use them, and write the date and why you stopped using them.
• Be sure to share your list with each of your doctors at every visit so they can compare it to the list they have for you in their system.
• You can also ask your doctors, pharmacists and other health care providers to update your list for you at every visit.
• Keep the list in your wallet or purse.
• If you go to the hospital or emergency room, take this list with you.
• Share your medication list with your family or caregivers, too.

Categories: MemberMatters - Medicare, Newsletter

Tags: MAR2016