<p>Some medicines (and supplements) shouldn&rsquo;t mix. That&rsquo;s why it&rsquo;s important to tell your doctor about any medicines or supplements you take. If you take multiple meds, it can be a lot to keep track of. Making a list&mdash;and bringing it to each medical appointment&mdash;can help.  Here&rsquo;s what to include.</p>
<p><img alt="" src="[BASEDOMAIN]/Client_Files/Default/HI/System/Health%20tips/8.jpg"></p>
<div class="nR_HL_igDesc">
<h2>How to make your meds list</h2>
<p>
To manage your medicines safely, it helps to make a list&mdash;and keep it up-to-date. Include:</p>
<ul>
    <li>Prescription medications.</li>
    <li>Over-the-counter medicines. </li>
    <li>Vitamins. </li>
    <li>Supplements. </li>
    <li>Creams and ointments. </li>
    <li>Eye drops. </li>
</ul>
<p>
For each item, note:</p>
<ul>
    <li>The name of the medicine or supplement. </li>
    <li>Why you take it. </li>
    <li>How often you take it. </li>
    <li>How much you take (the dose). </li>
    <li>Any questions or concerns you have.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p>Another option: Bring your medicines with you. Your doctor can look at the containers for the information they need to help you stay safe. Check out our <a href="[BASEDOMAIN]/healthinfo/ Topic.aspx?TopicID=402d6cde-6046-4609-9a54-88a2c64eb5b3">Medications</a> page for more on medication safety, or learn more ways to <a href="[BASEDOMAIN]/healthinfo/Story.aspx?StoryId=28f5e817-395d-453f-99e0-d9ef70cf9e3b">make the most of your next appointment</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Reviewed 11/16/2023</strong></p>
<p><strong>Sources</strong></p>
<ul>
    <li>Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. "Please Bring ALL Your Medicines to Your Next Appointment." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/wysiwyg/professionals/quality-patient-safety/patient-family-engagement/pfeprimarycare/medmanage-ptfactsheet.pdf">https://www.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/wysiwyg/professionals/quality-patient-safety/patient-family-engagement/pfeprimarycare/medmanage-ptfactsheet.pdf</a>.</li>
    <li>Food and Drug Administration. "Mixing Medications and Dietary Supplements Can Endanger Your Health." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/mixing-medications-and-dietary-supplements-can-endanger-your-health">https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/mixing-medications-and-dietary-supplements-can-endanger-your-health</a>.</li>
    <li>National Institute on Aging. "My Dietary Supplement and Medicine Record." <a target="_blank" href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/pubs/DietarySupplementandMedicineRecord.pdf">https://ods.od.nih.gov/pubs/DietarySupplementandMedicineRecord.pdf</a>.</li>
    <li>National Institute on Aging. "Worksheet 5: Medications." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2021-06/worksheet-medications.pdf">https://www.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2021-06/worksheet-medications.pdf</a>.</li>
</ul>

Make a list of your medicines