Many times medical personnel take it for granted that patients know the name and reasons for taking their medications. While some patients do, a lot do not. Patients trust their provider and trust that the provider will do the right thing in helping them get well, so they do not ask. As a pharmacist, when I ask patients about their prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines, I am frequently given a description of the medication instead of a name, and a very basic reason for taking it.

If the quantity of medications exceeds 6 or 7 drugs, the naming accuracy – the “what” and “why” deteriorates immensely. For these reasons, it is essential that patients carry an updated medication list on their person at all times. Lists span the spectrum in completeness and accuracy. Some are very brief and include just the name of the medication, while others provide complete medical histories in case an EMT or emergency personnel at a facility needs to assess a recent arrival.

Here is what I think should be included on a patient’s medication list: Patient’s name and address, “ICE” (in case of emergency) contact information, insurance information, drug allergies, diagnosed medical conditions, medications (prescription and non-prescription) and their pharmacy’s contact information. Most patients I see have a medication list only, but it is not updated to reflect new medications or dosage adjustments. I view this list as “insurance”, the kind that saves lives. It protects the patient from being administered something that they may be allergic to in an emergency situation and it eliminates the emergency provider’s guesswork about what medications the patient is currently prescribed.

I challenge you all to have this sort of information on you at all times as it can very well save your life when you least expect it.

Until next week, stay healthy,
                                                                                    Dion