Know your medicines and keep a list

Knowing what medicines you take and how you take them helps everyone involved to make correct decisions about your care.

Healthcare professionals need to know all of the medicines you are taking, to check that medicines and combinations are effective and safe.

Having an up-to-date, written or printed list of your medicines can help:

  • You know your medicines and why you are taking them.
  • When discussing your medicines with a healthcare professional.
  • When you might not be able to remember your medications, for example, at an appointment or in an emergency.
  • Reduce the chance of medication errors or omissions, for example, not taking the dose correctly or taking more then the recommended dose. 
  • Avoid prescribing errors and miscommunication.

What do I need to do?

You can get a copy of the 'My Medicines List' document below or from a Federation Council office or participating pharmacies. 

You can also ask your local pharmacist or GP to print out a copy of your medicines for you.

How to fill out a medicines list

To fill out ‘My Medicines List’ you need all your medicines in front of you. Include all the medicines you take regularly and occasionally.

Medicines are more than just those that a doctor prescribes. Your medicines include a long list such as:

  • prescription medicines - don’t forget to include inhalers, patches, injections, creams, eye drops and any other prescribed products etc and include the strength of each medicine (e.g., 50mg), how much you take each day (e.g., 2 tablets) and the time (e.g., at night).
  • over-the-counter medicines such as pain killers, cold medication, and laxatives.
  • vitamins and other supplements.
  • herbal, homeopathic or alternative medicines.
  • recreational drugs (such as cannabis).
  • patches and inhalers.
  • eye, ear, and nose drops.
  • creams, lotions, ointments.
  • samples from your doctor.
  • anything you may be taking as part of a research study.

The list should also include:

  • any allergies you have.
  • the contact numbers of your family doctor and pharmacist.
  • the name and contact details for your emergency contact.

Tips

  • Some people find it useful to keep a photo of this list on their phone. Another option is to take a photo of your medicines with the labels in full view.
  • It can be helpful if you share this list with a family member or carer.
  • If you need help filling out ‘My Medicines List,’ you can ask for help, for example, from a family member or friend.

When to use my medicines list

Bring this list with you when attending any healthcare appointment. This might include:

  • Your own Primary Care Doctor or an out of hours GP.
  • A specialist doctor such as a cardiologist, endocrinologist, or nephrologists. 
  • A hospital specialist or consultant (seen at an out-patient appointment).
  • Admission to hospital for a planned surgery or procedure. 
  • Your pharmacist
  • The doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you attend the Emergency Department.
  • Your dentist.

Do not assume your healthcare team member will have this information.

Changes to your medicines

It’s important to keep the list up-to-date.

Before leaving your appointment or being discharged from hospital:

  1. Ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse to explain any changes to your medicines.

  2. Find out which medicines to stop, which to continue or which new ones to start.

  3. Keep your list up-to-date by adding any new medicines to the list or drawing a line through any medicines you no longer take.

  4. Start a new medicines list if you need to. 

You can also ask your pharmacist to print a list, and you can add any other medicines you take (e.g., over the counter, herbal, supplements).

 

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