Managing Medications Safely

List every prescription with its name, dose, how often you take it and why. Add over-the-counter pain relievers, antacids, sleep aids, vitamins, herbal products and supplements, since these can interact with cancer treatment. Include allergies and past bad reactions. Note which doctor prescribed each medicine and which pharmacy fills it. Keep a printed copy in your wallet or bag and a digital copy on your phone. Update the list whenever something changes, and date each version so it is clear which is current.

A weekly pill organizer with morning, midday, evening and bedtime compartments makes it easy to see whether a dose was taken. Fill it at the same time each week, ideally with a helper double-checking. Phone alarms or medication reminder apps can prompt you at the right times. If some medicines must be taken with food or on an empty stomach, write that on the list. Keep medicines in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and pets, and do not store them in a steamy bathroom.

Bring your list, or the actual bottles, to every appointment and ask the doctor or nurse to review it. Using one pharmacy for all prescriptions helps the pharmacist spot interactions. Ask whether any medicine can be stopped, since lists tend to grow over time. Before starting anything new, including supplements, ask whether it is safe with your current treatment. Dispose of expired or discontinued medicines through a pharmacy take-back program or approved drop box rather than keeping them around. Ask the pharmacist to flag any new prescription that duplicates something you already take.

1. 1

   Write a complete list of prescriptions, over-the-counter products and supplements with doses and reasons.

2. 2

   Buy a weekly pill organizer and set phone alarms for each dose time.

3. 3

   Fill all prescriptions at one pharmacy and ask the pharmacist to check for interactions.

4. 4

   Bring your updated list or pill bottles to every appointment for review.