Travel with a list of your medications.
Keep this list in your wallets and pocketbooks next to your driver's license.
Take your list with you each and every time you have a medical appointment.
Update your list each time a medical provider makes a change; such as increasing a dosage.
This list should include medications you are allergic to; all vitamin supplements, herbal remedies, home-made cocktails and potions.
Always volunteer any changes in your medication regimen to each and every health provider. By ensuring all of your health care providers see your list, you are helping to decrease the risk of medication errors. For example it helps to avoid prescribing you medications that should not be combined.
Even if you have a photographic memory and are very knowledgeable about your medications and health; You should keep a list because during a crisis, you may become overwhelmed and uncertain of specifics; especially if some of the medications are new to you.
In the unfortunate event that you are rushed to an emergency room, unable to communicate your needs; your list will help to ensure your therapeutic regimen of maintenance medications will continue without an extended delay.
Next to your list of medications; you want to have a list of your medical problems. List all surgical procedures and hospitalizations. Include any allergic reactions that you experiened during a diagnostic testing.
By Charity Francis-Munson, Fnp.
