Keeping a medication list for an older relative

People 65 and older take more medicines than any other age group, often because they have several health conditions at once. Some combinations of prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and supplements can be dangerous, and taking many medicines raises the risk of side effects. A written list of everything an older relative takes lets each doctor and pharmacist see the whole picture.

Making the list

• List every prescription medicineNote the doctor who prescribed it and the reason it was prescribed.
• Add every OTC medicine, vitamin, supplement and herbal remedyMention everything, even ones they use infrequently.
• Write the amount and the time of day for each
• Add their allergies and past reactions to medicinesRashes, trouble breathing, indigestion, dizziness and mood changes all count.
• Put the phone numbers of their doctors and pharmacists on it
• Make two copiesKeep one in a safe place at home and one in their wallet or purse.

Using it

• Bring the list to every appointmentShow it to all their providers, including dentists and physical therapists.
• Ask at each visit whether they still need every medicine on it
• Add each new medicine when it startsWrite down its name, the dose, why it was prescribed and any special instructions.
• Fill prescriptions at one pharmacy where you canIt keeps their records in one place, so the pharmacist can spot a new drug that may cause a problem.
• Ask the pharmacy for a patient profileIt records everything they take, including OTC medicines and supplements.
• Carry the list when traveling, with the medicines in a carry-on

Keeping the medicines in order

• Learn to tell the pills apartBy size, shape, color or the number printed on each.
• Keep the papers that come with each medicine in one fileHold on to them for as long as the medicine is being taken.
• Check the expiration dates on the bottlesDon't take a medicine past its date, and get rid of expired ones as soon as you can.
• Ask for bottles that are easier to open, or labels in larger type, if they're hard to use
• Lock up prescription pain medicinesKeep morphine, codeine and other opioids in a locked cabinet or drawer, and all medicines out of reach of children and pets.

When something seems wrong

A list makes side effects easier to report. Write down any new symptom so you can describe it accurately, and call the doctor right away about any problem with a medicine. Don't stop a prescription before talking with a health care provider. Take a friend or relative along to appointments if help understanding or remembering what the doctor says would be useful.