Tips for managing your medication
What is medication management?
The term medication refers to any prescribed, over-the-counter, dietary supplements, vitamins, herbals, or other substances that help manage or maintain your health. Medication management is the process of staying up to date on the medications you are taking.
Managing your medications may be challenging, but it's important to do it correctly to ensure your safety. Nearly 1.5 million preventable adverse drug events occur in the U.S. each year, and many are caused by medication errors, adverse drug interactions, and the inappropriate use of medications, according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance.
When done well, medication management can help prevent missed doses, reduce the risk of side effects, and support better health outcomes.
Tips to manage your medication
Take all of the bottles/containers of medications you're taking (prescribed and over-the-counter) or bring a list of your medications to your doctor visits.
Make sure your primary care provider and any specialists you see know about all the medications you're taking. Throw out any medications you are no longer taking or expired medications.
Write down any changes to your medication regimen.
Create a schedule to help you manage the medications you're taking. Use pill boxes to prepare your medications in advance. This keeps you from skipping or taking too much medicine.
It may also be helpful to set alarms to remind you when to take your medications.
If you're unsure about any medication, reach out to your primary care provider or pharmacist. They can help you understand how and when to take your medications, possible side effects, and how different medications may interact.
Speak up if something doesn’t feel right. Ask questions if you miss a dose, notice changes in how you feel, or are starting a new medication.
