If you had to name all the medications you're taking, could you do it? Do you know what each medication is for and the doses youare taking? Many people have trouble remembering the names and dosages of their medications. But having a complete list of all your medicines is very important. It could even save your life.

"Knowing all of your medications is especially important in an emergency situation,"

Having a list of your medications can also protect you from allergic reactions, prevent the need to be admitted to the hospital and prevent drug interactions. "In some cases, a medication side effect or a drug interaction may actually be causing the symptoms that brought you to the Emergency Department." This is why it is so important to know all of the medications you are taking.

To make your medication list, it helps to have everything you take in front of you. This should include:

• Prescription medicines

• Over-the-counter medications (those you can buy without a prescription)

• Natural health products, such as herbal medicine

• Vitamins and supplements

• Insulin (for diabetes)

• Inhalers (for asthma)

• Oral contraceptives

Make a table to record information for each medicine you take. The table columns should include:

• The name of each medicine

• How much you take -the dose, which may be in milligrams (mg), grams (g), units, milliliters (ml) or ounces (oz.)

• How often and when you take the medicine (e.g., three times a day with meals)

• Reason for taking the medicine (e.g., for arthritis pain)

• Date you began taking the medicine

• Date you will stop taking the medicine (if prescribed for short-term use)

• Who prescribed it or told you to use it

NLBC Health and Wellness Ministry

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