OncoTip of the Day
 

Keeping a Medication List

James Metz, MD
University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center
Posting Date: May 9, 1999
Last Reviewed: November 1, 2001

As a cancer patient, it is very important for you to keep a list of all medications you are currently taking. The number of pills can be overwhelming at times, and it is very understandable that you might become confused. It is important to carry the list at all times so you can show the doctors and nurses what medications you are taking. You may be under the care of a number of different physicians and all of the doctors may not know what others have prescribed. Significant interactions can occur with some medicines that your doctor needs to consider before prescribing any new medication.

If you ever go to the emergency room a list of current medications is extremely helpful to the emergency room staff. Your treatment can be started promptly if the doctors know all of the current medications you are taking. There are thousands of medications available that can have serious interactions. Keeping a list makes everyone’s life easier.

It is important to list the name of each medication, the dose in milligrams, and the frequency that the medication is prescribed. The doctor who prescribed the medication and the date started should also be listed. The following is a sample list that can be copied and kept in a purse or wallet once the blanks have been filled. If you are not sure about any of your medications, ask your doctor or nurse to help you with the list.

Prescription Medications

Name of Medicine Dose Frequency Physician who prescribed Date Started Reason for medicine
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           

For Sure, Don't Consider Accutane for acne - Why not?

                

                  If  you HAVE TO TAKE any medication - Keep track of it -

                               & Keep Track of How it Affects you.

    If you come down with one of these symptoms...

you have too much chemicals in your system

There are effects on  your health if you take too much chemicals....

even prescribed chemicals ....

Mayo Clinic noted on one of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill cleanup workers that she had a toxic overdose of her medication

Good Rule of Thumb - If you don't need medication - Don't Take It

It can make matters worse!

If you catch illnesses early, you may be able to do cell stem therapy & avoid needing chemo therapy?  Something to look into, anyway

July 13, 2003