The Importance of a Keeping a Current Medication List

Perhaps the most important piece of information that you should keep in your wallet or your purse is a current medication and vitamin list and list of medication allergies.

In Case You Cannot Speak for Yourself

A medication list can offer insight into your medical history in case you are incapacitated. A current medication list can tell providers what conditions you are being treated for, which medications you are currently taking, and drug allergies and interactions.

To Check for Drug Interactions

A current medication list is important to bring with you to your appointments for multiple reasons. Electronic medical records give providers the ability to easily check for potentially harmful drug interactions. Some drugs and vitamins can decrease or increase effectiveness of others. Side effects may also be increased by other drugs or vitamins.

To Assist in Your Treatment

Knowing which medications and vitamins you are on can assist physicians in your treatment. They can help your physician in diagnosing whether symptoms are related to medication side effects or part of an illness.

Reduce the Risk of Errors

Having a list of your current medications for your providers also decreases the risk of duplicate medication prescriptions and dosage errors. It also assists coordinating medical care between your primary care physician and specialists.

The Importance of Adding Vitamins to Your List

It is important to include vitamins and doses in your list of medications also. Some drugs such as Coumadin, a blood thinner, have narrow therapeutic margins which can be affected by other drugs, vitamins, and even diet. Some vitamins can cause side effects that may be of importance to your physician such as cinnamon, which can lower your blood sugar. Some vitamins can be toxic at high levels.

Proper treatment and safety of our patients is our top priority at Pham Cardiovascular Center. Take a more active role in your healthcare by keeping an up to date medication list with you at all times.

Keep track of your medications with these printable lists in English and Spanish. (Click "English" or Spanish" for link.)