Keeping Track of Medicines

Overview

Using medicines can be confusing, especially if you take a lot of medicines. Here are some tips to help you keep track of when and how to take them.

• Make a master list of all your medicines.

  Write down the medicine names and doctors' names. Include doses and side effects too. And write down why you take each medicine. Include all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements. Keep this list up to date.

• Plan a daily schedule of medicines.

  Put your schedule somewhere where you will always see it and where it's easy to find.

• Keep your pills in a pillbox.

  Get a pillbox that holds a week's worth of pills.

• Set reminders.

  Use your cell phone, a watch you can program, a scheduling program on the computer, or other types of timers to remind you when it's time to take your medicines.

• Make it routine.

  Take your medicine when you do another daily task, such as brushing your teeth or making morning coffee. This will help make taking medicine into a routine.

• Don't run out.

  Figure out how long your bottle of medicine will last. Put refill reminders on your calendar so you won't run out of medicine.

• Learn more about how to take medicines safely.

  Visit www.consumermedsafety.org for more information.