What to Record
- Name and strength of each medicine.
- How much you take and how often.
- What it is used for and who prescribed it.
- Nonprescription medicines, vitamins and supplements.
- Known allergies or previous reactions.
Keep It Current
Update the list when a clinician changes a medicine. Include products taken only occasionally. Bring the list to appointments and share it with the pharmacist when checking for possible interactions.
Use the List to Ask Questions
Ask which medicine treats which problem, how it should be taken and what to do if an issue occurs. Tell the clinician if cost, side effects or confusing instructions make it difficult to follow the plan.
Do not assume a medicine is still needed simply because an old list includes it, and do not stop a treatment without checking with the appropriate clinician. A medication review is the right time to clarify discrepancies.