6 Tips for a Safer Home Medication Review Process

Things can get confusing when there are a lot of drugs or over-the-counter medicines mixed in with supplements. A regular home medication review of your medicines can help keep you safe, no matter how many you take every day. As long as you plan ahead and make better choices about what to take. This article will teach you how to take charge of the process and make taking your medicine safer.

1. Start by Gathering Everything in One Spot

Get all of your medicines together and put them somewhere safe before you start. This includes vitamins, herbal treatments, prescription drugs, and anything else you can buy without a prescription. If you only use certain drugs or creams, don’t forget to bring them with you. Once you have everything in one place, check to see if anything has gone bad or looks strange so you can take a closer look.

2. Double-Check the Instructions on Each Label

Take a moment to read each sticker carefully after you have everything together. Check to see how often to take it and whether it should be taken with or without food. Write down how you’ve been using it that doesn’t match the label or if you’ve missed doses. When you go to the doctor or get a new medication, the directions may change. Comparing the label to what you remember can help you find any changes.

3. Update Your Medication List

Making a list of your medicines can help you remember what you’re taking and why. Always remember to note the name, the amount, how often, and the reason for taking it. Feel free to add anything that has changed, like a new amount or the fact that you stopped using something. Additionally, it is best to keep both a written and a digital copy on hand in case of an emergency or trip to the doctor.

4. Watch for Duplicate Medications

Some brands look different, but they all have the same main ingredient, since this can make you take too much without realizing it. Acetaminophen might be in both cold medicines and pain killers, even if they don’t have the same word. Don’t forget to look through your medicines to see if any of them look alike. In addition, it is smart to ask a doctor if you still need both of something that does the same thing.

5. Look Out for Side Effects and New Symptoms

An over-the-counter drug could be making you feel strange, so remember when these feelings started and if they happen after you start taking new drugs or change the way you take them. If your drugs make you feel tired or have mood swings, you need to have them checked. When you go over your medicines with your doctor, write down any side effects, no matter how small, so they can help you get better.

6. Check Storage Conditions

Pills should be kept away from heat and water because the way they are stored changes how well they work. Always look at the dates on food and throw away anything that looks or smells different. To keep the directions clear and to avoid mixing up medicines, keep your medicine pills in their original cases. If you use a pill organizer, don’t refill it until you’re sure all the medicines are still good to use.

Stay Safe and in Control!

Taking a little extra time at home to go over your medicines can help you stay on track and avoid making mistakes. Doing your own medicine schedule makes it easier to know what you’re taking and why. You can then ask better questions and be more sure about the health choices you make. Furthermore, every once in a while, you need to check your drugs because it’s important to stay safe.