Medication Safety

Take part in decisions about your medications.

Here are some ways you can be our partner in medication safety:

Keep an updated list of your medications with you in your wallet or purse. You may contact Outreach Services at (309) 836-1584 to request a medication wallet card or download a fillable medication journal (pdf) to record your information and save on your home computer. (Note: In order to download a fillable form you will need Adobe Reader 9 or above.)

The list should include the following:

• Name of each medication
• Purpose of each medication
• Dose of each medication
• How often you take each one (frequency)
• Month/year you started taking each medication
• Name and phone number of your pharmacy and physician

Include on this list any prescription medications, vitamins, herbal products, dietary supplements, over-the-counter (nonprescription) medications, sample medications, eye drops, inhalation therapy, injections, and oxygen.

• Carry your wallet card with you at all times. Use it whenever you talk about your medications with your physician, nurse, or pharmacist.
• Whenever you are given a new medication (including samples from a physician’s office), make a note on your medication card.
• Whenever a medication is changed or stopped, update the information on your wallet card.
• Keep a current list of your medication and food allergies and your reactions on your medication card. Remind your doctors, nurses, and pharmacists of your allergies.
• Keep a record of your most recent pneumonia, tetanus, and flu vaccines on your medication card.

At the Pharmacy

• Read the label carefully. Make sure you can read the label on your medications and that you understand what everything means.
• Renew your medications before they run out.
• Try to obtain all of your medications from one pharmacy. If this is not possible, let all of your pharmacists know what medications you are taking.
• Ask your pharmacist for a printed list of your current medications.

At the Physician’s Office

• Take your medication list with you every time you go to your healthcare provider, especially if you see more than one.
• Make sure you know the name of any medication prescribed, how you are supposed to take it, and its purpose before you leave the office.
• Be honest with your healthcare provider about whether or not you have been taking your medications as prescribed.

At Home

• Consider using simple tools, such as a pill box or a calendar, to help improve your ability to take your medications at the correct time and to avoid missing doses.
• Take all medications as prescribed, even if you are feeling better.
• Do not share your medications with anyone else or take medications given to you by someone else.
• Store medications out of the reach of children and pets.
• Do not store medications in the bathroom or in direct sunlight.
• Dispose of medications when you are no longer taking them.
• Turn on the lights to take your medications.
• Do not crush, chew, or break any medication unless instructed to do so.

Some questions you can ask your doctor or pharmacist

• Why is this medication prescribed to me?
• Does this medication have any side effects?
• Is it safe to take this medication with the other medications I am taking?
• Is it safe to take this medication with the foods I eat? With the herbs or vitamins I am taking?
• Is it safe to take this medication with alcoholic beverages?
• How should I take this medication?
• Do I need any follow-up tests or appointments?
• Do I need any follow-up visits with my doctor?

For more information, contact MDH Outreach Services at (309) 836-1584.