A lot of us use shopping lists and to-do lists to help organize our lives. But what if there was a list that could help you and your doctor improve your health? Well, that's what keeping a list of every prescription medication and over-the-counter treatment you are taking can do for you.

I ask all my patients to tell me what medications they are taking. Some know exactly what they are taking, and how long they've been taking it. But a lot of people don't. Others keep track of their prescriptions, but may not remember herbal remedies or vitamins they are taking, or think these are not relevant to the doctor.

That's why keeping an up-to-date list of all of your medications is so important. Your medication list should include all prescriptions, non-prescription medicines, herbal remedies and vitamins. It’s also important that you keep a list for any of your children taking medications and remind adult members of your family to have one. If you are caring for elderly parents, work with them on their lists. Share your list with a loved one who may be called on during an emergency when you may not be able to speak on your own behalf.

Medication errors do happen, but most can be avoided if both doctors and patients take a few simple steps to make sure they are communicating clearly with each other.

Taking medications safely is not difficult. It just means taking the right medication, at the right time and in the right way. And fortunately, there are things you can do to make sure you are taking your medications safely:

• Talk with your doctor or nurse about each medication. Learn the dosage (how much you take), directions (how and when to take it) and what to do if you forget to take your medication. Also, ask about any side effects and what to do if they occur.
• Share your medication list with your doctor or tell your doctor about all the medications you take. Remember to include prescription drugs, vitamins, and natural remedies such as herbal products.

At the Pharmacy

• Give your pharmacist needed information. This includes your insurance card if you have one, and your phone number. It also includes your medication list.
• Make sure you receive your medication. Check the name on the label.
• Make sure you get the correct medication. Read the label on the pill bottle to make sure that the instructions and dosage are the same as your doctor ordered.
• Ask for written information about each medication.

At Home

• Take your medication only as prescribed. This means not taking more or less than the doctor ordered. And never take someone else’s medication.
• Be aware of any side effects or bad reactions (such as dizziness or nausea). Call your doctor or pharmacy if you do not feel well.
• Keep all medication in the original pill bottle or package. Store in a cool dry space and not in a bathroom.
• Be sure to keep all medication out of the reach of children.
• Pay attention to expiration (use by) dates on the pill bottle. Do not wait until the last minute to refill your prescription.
• Throw out medications that are past their expiration date.
• At least one time per year, look through your medications. Toss out outdated medication and medications that are no longer in their original containers.

These are simple steps that taken together can make a real difference for your health. By always keeping track of your medications and sharing that information with your doctor, your pharmacist and your loved ones, you can improve your care and your health.

Getting Started on Your List

To find out more about medication safety, and about get started on your medication list, visit the Partnership for Healthcare Excellence at http://www.partnershipforhealthcare.org. There you will find a link to a form for creating your own a medication list. Simply fill out the form – with details on each drug and its dosage – and print it out. Keep a list in your wallet and a convenient place in your home. Consider sharing a copy with a close friend or relative.

Remember, the more active and involved you are as a patient, the better your health care and your health will be.

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The Partnership for Healthcare Excellence

If you want to become more active in your own health care and want to take more control of your care, The Partnership for Healthcare Excellence can help you do that - and lead you to make better decisions for you and your family's well-being.

The Partnership for Healthcare Excellence is a new non-profit organization whose mission is to educate Massachusetts residents on how to improve the quality of their own health care. The Partnership seeks to motivate consumers to be more engaged in their health care. Research consistently shows that more involved consumers receive better care and have better health outcomes.

The Partnership’s website www.partnershipforhealthcare.org features a “One Stop Guide to Quality Health Care” with links to useful – and trustworthy – information on picking a doctor, preparing for a physician visit, preparing for surgery and taking medications safely. The website also provides tools and resources - in Spanish and English - for comparing hospitals and physicians. The Partnership is led by a broad coalition of 45 health care organizations, including the leadership of Neighborhood Health Plan and the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers.