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When you are to be admitted to the hospital, it is a good idea to prepare a complete list of all your current medications, including dosages.  Also include a list of all over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal remedies that you are taking.

During a hospitalization, some of your medications may be discontinued, dosages may be changed, and you may be put on other medications.  It is a good idea to keep track of these changes so that it is clear what medicines you will need to take when you are discharged from the hospital.

For each medication you can list: 

(1) the name,
(2) dosage,
(3) the color and size of the pill,
(4) how many times a day to take it,
(5) when it was first prescribed and
(6) why it is prescribed. 

Also note all pharmacies you use to fill prescriptions.

Without a method for tracking your medications before and after a hospitalization, you run the risk of over-medicating, under-medicating, or having ineffective combinations of medications.

There are computer programs that medical staff can use to check for drug interactions and recommended dosages.  For example, it could be that you were prescribed the correct medication, but the dosage was incorrect.  Or a medication can be appropriate, but not when combined with another medication.

In addition to having a doctor or pharmacist check for drug interactions, you can also check for yourself on the internet.  There are many free sites that allow you to list your medications and dosages, and see if there are any interactions or warnings.  Also, the internet provides the ability to check for drug interactions with food, tobacco, and alcohol.   Use the search terms “free medication interaction checker” and “medication and food interaction checker” to get you started.

There are specific questions you can ask about each medication at the time it is prescribed.  You will want to know what to do if you experience some of the common side effects, for example, and what to do when you miss a dose or accidentally take an extra dose.  Find out if there is any required monitoring or testing while on the medication, and what, if any, food, drink, or activities should be avoided while on the medication (such as dairy products, alcohol, driving, exposure to sun, etc.).  Should the medication be taken with food or water?

Some medications have an immediate efffect and some take time for you to notice a difference.  Check to see how soon it will start to work and how you will know if it is working appropriately for you.   Check to see if there is a less expensive medication, or a generic formula, that can be prescribed that can achieve the same results for you.

It is good to ask how long you will be on a particular medicine.  Also, please remember that you should only stop taking a medication when the prescription runs out and the doctor does not authorize any refills.  Do not stop taking it merely because you are feeling well.  You may only be feeling well because you are on the medication, and stopping it could be dangerous to your health.

In summary, it is best to be informed and to keep your doctors informed of all medications that are prescribed for you prior to, during, and after you are released from the hospital.  Compare your “before hospitalization” medication list with your “after hospitalization” medication list to be sure nothing has been accidentally left off your list.  Remember, if any of your medications change, make sure you always update your list and note the date of the change.

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