Use Your Medication Safely: It’s Your Health

Don't Forget!!!
A request from the Medical Professional at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital to bring your medications (including vitamins and supplements) or your Medication List every time you come for treatment or appointments. Your quality healthcare depends on this important information.

MEDICATIONS

Know your medications and keep a list. When making this list, include the name of the medication, the dose of the medication, how often you take the medication, and why you take this medication. Always keep your medication list updated and show it to everyone caring for you, including doctors, hospitals, clinics or pharmacists.

For example:

Keep a list on our printable medication card (PDF)

Click the link to print our Medication List card. Once printed, you can follow fold lines and clip edges. You will have a handy little card you can keep safely and conveniently in your wallet or purse for the next time you need to access this important information. The list should include:

• Prescriptions from your doctor(s)

• Over the counter medications

• Dietary supplements

• Vitamins

• Herbal medications

Know the following about your medications:

• Why are you taking the medication?

• What are the most common /most serious side effects?

• What do you do if side effects occur?

• How long you will need to take the medications?

• What interactions might occur with other medications and supplements?

• Will diet or activity will affect these medications?

• How do you store the medications?

• When is the best time to take the medications?

[medication log form ]

When you pick up a prescription at the pharmacy. . .

Be sure to bring your medication list to the pharmacy and review it with your pharmacist. 

Always check your prescription at the pharmacy to be sure that it is the right dose and drug that your doctor prescribed—check to see if refilled drug looks the same as previous medicine.

If a refilled drug does not look like the medication you received before ask the pharmacist for an explanation.

If the drug you are getting is a new one, it is a good idea to get only a small amount because you may be intolerant of it and drugs cannot be returned to the pharmacy.

When you are a patient in the hospital…

Whenever you are prescribed drugs in the hospital make sure that you know what the drug is and why it is given. If you are not sure why you are taking the medicine, ask the nurse or doctor.

Ask to discuss this with your doctor or the hospital pharmacist if you do not feel the initial explanation is adequate.

Ask if there are serious potential side effects or interactions with other medications that you are taking.

If this is a drug you feel you should not receive, ask for a clear explanation.

When you are discharged make sure you understand your medications. Ask for written information about the medicines you will be taking at home.

Be sure to update your medication list.

Are you allergic to any medications?

Know your allergies and/or any sensitivities/ reactions to medications and keep track of them.

Include the name of the medication, and the type of problem you have had.

It is very important that you share this information with health care providers anytime you receive health care, including visits to the pharmacy, doctor’s office and hospital.

If you have a history of sensitivity/reaction to medication. . .

List the medication, the type of problem the medication causes, and the date of the problem.

For example:

• Take responsibility for your health and safety

• Play an active role in your health care.

• Know all your medications and keep a list.

• Discuss with your pharmacist how to properly store your medications.

• If you ever have a question about your medication or your care, ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

• Insist on explanations that you can understand.

• Make sure that you understand and accept the risks associated with your health care.

Developed in cooperation with the Maine Hospital Association
MEDICATION SAFETY….IT BEGINS WITH YOU