I'm Managing Medications at Home

Keeping track of someone else's medicines is a lot to hold in your head. A few simple habits can make it easier.

Keep a current list

• Keep an up-to-date list of all medicines and supplements, and any allergies.
• Bring all the medicines, or the complete list, to every provider appointment and hospital visit.
• Keep medicines in their original bottles.

Organize and remind

• A weekly pill organizer can help you see what needs to be taken each day.
• Meal times and bedtimes can work as reminders.

Ask the doctor and pharmacist

• Talk to the doctor about all medicines, including ones from other doctors, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies.
• If you worry there are too many medicines, bring it up with the health care provider.
• Ask the pharmacist what to do if a dose is forgotten. Do not guess.
• Do not give a larger dose hoping it will help more. That can be very dangerous.

Store and dispose safely

• Keep medicines out of reach of children and pets. Lock up prescription pain medicines.
• Check expiration dates. Discard unused or expired medicines as soon as possible.
• Look for a drug take-back option, such as National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
• Do not flush medicine unless it is on the FDA flush list.

When to get help

If something has gone wrong with a dose, Poison Control is at 1-800-222-1222.

If you feel overwhelmed, you can call or text 988.