Using Medications Wisely
By: State: Massachusetts | Source: AARP.org
Most adults age 45 and older take an average of four prescription drugs daily. Keeping track of prescriptions, vitamins and other supplements is crucial to staying healthy and avoiding dangerous side effects.
As part of National Patient Safety Awareness Week, which takes place March 8–12, the Partnership for Healthcare Excellence (the Partnership) is collaborating with the Massachusetts Coalition for the Prevention of Medical Errors (the Coalition) and the Massachusetts Hospital Association to promote a health safety initiative for both patients and health care providers. AARP Massachusetts serves on the Leadership Council of the Partnership, and is a also member of the Coalition.
Preventing Medication Errors
According to a report by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), medication errors injure an estimated 1.5 million people each year in the United States, costing hospitals $3.5 billion a year. The health safety initiative aims to reduce these errors with the Med List, a free downloadable form to help patients, health care providers, and pharmacists keep more complete and accurate information about medications to help provide safer care.
Talk to Your Doctor
It is important for you to tell your doctor about all the medications you take: prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal. The best way to keep track of all these medicines is to create a personal medication record like the Med List.
The list keeps track of important information including:
- Your name and contact details
- Your physicians' names and contact details
- Your emergency contact information
- Your pharmacy contact information
- The name of your medications, reason for use, form, dose, start and stop date.
Make copies for your doctor, pharmacist, wallet, home, and for a loved one. Be sure to keep it updated with new medications, drug allergies, and side effects.
Conversation is the Best Medicine
Doctors and pharmacists are busy, but they can and will take time to answer your questions. Make sure you are clear about the medications you are taking and how they may affect you.
- Write down your questions and take them to your appointment.
- Ask the questions for each drug you take, and write down the answers.
- Bring both your questions and answers to your doctor and pharmacist.
Asking Questions
When it comes to medications and your health, there is no right or wrong question. You have the right and responsibility to ask any question you like.
Here are a few to get you started:
- What is the name of this medication? What is it supposed to do? What are the side effects?
- Will this medication work safely with other medications I am taking?
- Are there other medications or non-drug actions that can be used to treat my condition?
- How do I take this medicine?
For More Information
Click here for a free copy of the Med List and an accompanying sheet of helpful tips for taking medication. You can also get further information on ways to work with your physician and pharmacist to improve medication safety.
AARP also has many resources available for consumers about medications and safety; click here to learn more.
Related Articles
What You Can Do to Avoid Medication Errors
Let’s Talk About Meds (PDF)
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