When healthcare providers know what medications you take they instantly get clues to what diseases or challenges you face. For instance, blood thinners will affect the treatment you receive. If you have had a stroke then knowing your on a blood thinner will help the physician to know what treatment to give and NOT give. It may also gives him clues to possible causes. This is the same for many of the medications you take. Be a partner in your care, help protect yourself. Create your medication list and keep it updated. Here are the essential elements your medication list should contain:

• Your name
• The date you made the list
• Name of the medication
• Dose (list the number of milligrams/micrograms the medication has in each pill) in mg or mcg of each pill
• How many pills you take at each dose
• How many times a day you take the medication
• Why you are taking the medication – if you don’t know then ask next time you are in the office
• Name of the doctor who prescribed it
Any allergies you have and what happens to you when you are exposed to the medication or substance

Here is an example:

Synthroid 75mcg 1 tablet Every morning Hypothyroidism Dr. Doe
Prednisone 5mg 1 tablet Twice a day Lung Disease Dr. Brown

Keep your list updated each time you go to the doctor. Offer to give a copy of your current list to each healthcare person who cares for you. So often individuals don’t know what they take or why they take it. Take charge of your life, know what you take and why you take it. You might save your own life.