Patient Safety

Medications

MANAGING MEDICATIONs

Managing Medications

En Español | It is important that your medical provider knows the medications you are taking at home, as some may have interactions and create health problems when combined. Always inform them which medications, vitamins, herbs and supplements you are taking.

What You Should Know About Your Medication

What is the name of each medication?
What is it for?
At what time should I take it?
How much should I take each time?
How should I take it? (on an empty stomach, with food, etc.)
How long should I take it for?
What should I do if I miss a dose? Can I stop taking them at any time, or do I need to lower the dose slowly?
What are the side effects I should watch for? What should I do if I have any?
Is it safe to take with other medicines that I am currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements?
What food, drink or activities should I avoid while taking this medication?

It is best to buy all your medications from the same drugstore. They will have a list of all your medications and they can check if there any harmful interactions between them.

Managing Medications at Home

The medications you receive at the hospital may be different from the medications your insurance company will cover once you are discharged. This means that you could go home with a completely different medication regime which may or may not work. Be sure to follow the discharge checklist to prevent any adverse event that may occur.

Once at home…

Reconcile your medications. This means comparing the pre-hospitalization medications with the post-discharge list to ensure that there are no duplications, omissions, or harmful side effects.
Keep a list or log of all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter, and herbs & supplements.
Distinguish every medication from the other, as they usually have similar packages.
Buy a dosage box so your medications are easier to manage.
Make a Medication Log and record every time you take a medication.
Note any conditions or side effects that occur when you take your medication to discuss it with your doctor.

Dispose Your Medications at your local pharmacy, or at Dispose My Meds.

Managing Medications at the Hospital

Let the medical practitioner know which medications you are taking at home.
Be informed of the name and dose of each medication given. If you can, keep a log.
If you feel unwell after taking a medication let the medical staff know.
Make sure you understand the medication’s instructions before leaving the hospital. Make sure to know how to take the medications, and if you should continue taking the ones you were taking before being admitted at the hospital.

Prevent Medication Overload

The best way to prevent medication overload is to avoid taking unnecessary medications. Ask your doctor the following questions:

What is the medication for?
How many patients like me, benefit from taking this medication?
How many patients like me experience harm from this medication, and what is the potential harm?
When should I stop taking this medication?
Can I start at a lower dose?
When and how will I stop taking the medication?
Are there side effects I should watch out for?