Keeping A List Of Your Meds Proves Helpful

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Keeping A List Of Your Meds Proves Helpful

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=76674

You take the pinkish square pill in the morning, half of the yellow

pill at noon - with food - and the round pill at night. It's great

that you know the shapes and colors of your medication, but do you

know their names, the doses you take, and why you take them?

Doctors advise people to learn about their medications, as the

knowledge could save lives.

" Every patient has his or her own individual medical profile, " said

Carl , pharmacy supervisor at the County Hospital

District's Gulfgate Health Center. " When patients don't know the

basic information about their medications, it could delay their

treatment if they have to go to the emergency room or see another

physician. "

People who don't know what medications they are on can't fully

inform medical staff, who in turn may prescribe something that may

interact with other medications the patient takes.

" Some medications could change the way each works and either

increase or decrease the effects of those medications, " said Dr.

Blanca Fernandez-Kline, physician at Gulfgate Health Center and

assistant professor of Family and Community Medicine at Baylor

College of Medicine.

" Furthermore, there are some medications that may need to be avoided

in certain medical conditions. "

In an emergency situation, you may not be able to communicate with

medical staff or have difficulty recalling your medication. That's

why it's a good idea to carry a complete list with you. " The list

will help provide important information to the medical team and

enhance the patient's medical care when time is crucial, " said.

The medication list should include the name of the medicines, doses,

and reason for use. Also remember to list any over-the-counter

medicines, herbs, vitamins and supplements you use. By doing this,

medical staff can spot potential problems, such as a harmful

combination of drugs.

" Medical personnel can get a lot of information about a patient's

medical condition just by knowing what medications they are taking, "

Fernandez-Kline said.

It's also important to take your medications to every doctor's

appointment. And when you get a new prescription, make sure to

update your medication list.