Know Your Medication

Introduction

Knowing your medication means more than remembering when to take a pill. It means understanding what it does, how and when to take it, what to avoid, and how to track it all. If you are managing more than one condition or caring for someone who is, these skills can prevent problems and help your treatment work better.

Use this step by step guide to build confidence and stay safe.

Why it matters

When you understand your medicines you can make better choices and avoid common problems. Clear knowledge helps you

• Use each medicine as intended
• Reduce side effects and interactions
• Prevent duplicate therapies and unnecessary pills
• Share accurate information with every member of your care team

Build your complete medication list

Create a single, up to date list that you can bring to every appointment. Include

• Prescription medicines with dose and timing
• Over the counter products such as pain relievers, allergy pills, and heartburn remedies
• Vitamins, minerals, and herbal or dietary supplements
• Topical creams, eye drops, patches, and injections
• As needed medicines and when you last used them
• Any previous drug allergies or serious reactions

Update the list after every change. Keep a copy in your wallet or phone. Share it with your family or caregiver.

Master the basics for every medicine

For each item on your list, write down answers to these questions

• What is the name of the medicine and what is it for
• How much should I take and how often
• Should I take it with food or water
• What should I avoid such as certain foods, alcohol, sunlight, or driving
• What are the common side effects and when should I call my doctor
• What should I do if I miss a dose
• How should I store it and when does it expire

If you are unsure, ask your pharmacist or clinician. Bring the bottle or a photo of the label.

Read prescription information with confidence

Pharmacies provide patient information with many prescriptions. It explains how to use the medicine, the most important risks, and what to do in urgent situations. Review it the first time you receive a medicine and again if your dose changes. Save the handout in case questions come up later.

Look for

• The official name and strength
• The main use or indication
• Instructions for timing and meals
• Serious warnings sometimes called boxed warnings
• Signs of allergic reaction and when to seek help
• Interactions with other medicines and supplements

Understand the Drug Facts label on over the counter medicines

Every over the counter package includes a Drug Facts label that follows a standard format. Use it to compare products and choose safely. Pay attention to

• Active ingredient and strength to avoid doubling up with a prescription or another over the counter product
• Uses so you know what symptoms it treats
• Warnings and when not to use the product
• Directions including age based dosing and maximum daily amounts
• Other information such as storage guidance
• Inactive ingredients in case of allergies or intolerances

If the label is hard to read, ask the pharmacist to explain it and to check for conflicts with your current list.

Prevent interactions and duplication

Interactions can happen between prescription medicines, over the counter products, and supplements. To reduce risk

• Share your full list with every clinician and pharmacist
• Use one pharmacy when possible so safety checks can run across your medicines
• Ask about alcohol, caffeine, and food interactions such as grapefruit
• Check for duplicate ingredients like acetaminophen that appear in many cold and flu products
• Be careful with herbal products that may change how the body processes medicines

Contact your clinician if you notice new symptoms after starting a medicine or supplement.

Make medication reconciliation part of every visit

Medication reconciliation is the process of comparing your current list with what is ordered during a visit, hospital stay, or after discharge. The goal is one accurate list that all providers and caregivers use. Bring your list and bottles to every visit. Ask the team to confirm the list, remove old items, and explain any changes. An Understood Care Advocate can organize your complete list, coordinate with your pharmacist to catch interactions, and make sure every clinician and caregiver has the same updated version after each visit or hospital stay. Ready for help? Call (646) 904-4027 or sign up at https://app.understoodcare.com.

Watch for high risk situations

Some situations call for extra care

• Starting or stopping a medicine that affects the heart, blood pressure, blood sugar, breathing, or mental health
• Using more than one medicine that makes you sleepy or dizzy
• Taking many medicines at once also called polypharmacy
• Returning home after a hospital stay
• New trouble with memory, vision, or swallowing that affects how you take pills

In these moments, ask for a clear plan, written instructions, and a follow up check.

Create a simple system that fits your life

Consistency helps you use medicines correctly. Consider

• A pill organizer with compartments for morning, midday, evening, and bedtime
• Phone reminders or a paper chart near where you store medicines
• Linking doses to daily routines such as breakfast or brushing your teeth
• Setting up automatic refills and a calendar reminder to reorder early
• Asking a caregiver or advocate to review your setup and help when needed

Store and handle medicines safely

Protect medicines from heat, moisture, and light unless the label says otherwise. Many bathrooms are humid. A bedroom drawer or kitchen cabinet away from the stove and sink is often better. Keep medicines in their original containers unless your pharmacist provides a labeled blister pack or you use a labeled organizer. Store all medicines out of reach of children and pets.

Know when to call for help

Call your clinician or pharmacist if you have

• A rash, swelling, trouble breathing, severe nausea, or confusion
• A side effect that does not improve or limits your daily life
• Concerns about cost or confusion about instructions
• A missed dose for a medicine that protects the heart, prevents clots, or treats seizures

Call emergency services for severe allergic reactions, chest pain, trouble breathing, or other life threatening symptoms.

Discuss your goals and whether any medicines can be reduced or stopped

As your health changes, medicines may need to be adjusted or stopped. Share your goals for pain relief, sleep, mood, and daily function. Ask your clinician to review which medicines still help, which may no longer be needed, and whether lower doses or safer alternatives are possible. An Understood Care Advocate can help you set clear goals, review your medicine list, prepare questions for your visit, and coordinate follow up so changes stay safe and aligned with what matters to you.

Practical checklist

Use this quick list during visits

• Bring your updated medication list and bottles
• Ask what to start, stop, or change and why
• Confirm how to take each item and what to avoid
• Review side effects that require a call or a visit
• Plan follow up and who to contact with questions

Related Understood Care resources

If you would like hands on support, care advocates can help organize your list, prepare questions for visits, and coordinate changes after appointments. The following pages explain how we help with communication, appointments, and care coordination. Links are provided in the References section.

FAQ: Getting To Know Your Medicines

• What does it mean to “know” my medications?
  Knowing your medications means more than remembering the time of day to take a pill. It includes understanding what each medicine is for, how and when to take it, what to avoid, common side effects, and when to call your clinician. This knowledge helps you use medicines safely and get the most benefit from treatment.
• ‍Why is it important to understand my medicines?
  When you understand your medicines, you are more likely to:
  • Use each medicine as intended
  • Reduce side effects and interactions
  • Avoid duplicate therapies or unnecessary pills
  • Share accurate information with every member of your care team
  This leads to safer care and better control of your conditions.
• ‍What should be on my complete medication list?
  Your list should include:
  • All prescription medicines with dose and timing
  • Over the counter products such as pain relievers, allergy pills, and heartburn remedies
  • Vitamins, minerals, and herbal or dietary supplements
  • Topical items like creams, ointments, eye drops, patches, and injections
  • As needed medicines and when you last used them
  • Any prior drug allergies or serious reactions
  Update the list after every change. Keep a copy in your wallet or on your phone and share it with family or caregivers.
• ‍What basic questions should I know the answer to for each medicine?
  For every medicine on your list, you should be able to answer:
  • What is the name of this medicine and what is it for
  • How much do I take and how often
  • Should I take it with food, water, or on an empty stomach
  • What should I avoid such as certain foods, alcohol, sunlight, or driving
  • What are the common side effects and when should I call my doctor
  • What should I do if I miss a dose
  • How should I store it and when does it expire
  If you are not sure, ask your pharmacist or clinician and bring the bottle or a photo of the label.
• ‍How do I read the information that comes with a prescription?
  Pharmacies often provide a printed handout or Medication Guide. It usually explains:
  • The official name and strength
  • The main use or indication
  • Instructions for timing and meals
  • Serious warnings or boxed warnings
  • Signs of allergic reactions and when to seek help
  • Possible interactions with other medicines and supplements
  Read it when you first start the medicine and again if the dose or directions change. Save it for future questions.
• ‍How do I use the Drug Facts label on over the counter medicines?
  The Drug Facts label follows a standard format that helps you compare and choose safely. Focus on:
  • Active ingredient and strength so you do not double up with a prescription or another product
  • Uses so you know what symptoms it treats
  • Warnings and when not to use it
  • Directions, including age based dosing and maximum daily amount
  • Other information such as storage
  • Inactive ingredients in case of allergies or sensitivities
  If it is hard to read or understand, ask the pharmacist to explain it and check for conflicts with your current medicines.
• ‍How can I prevent drug interactions and duplicate therapies?
  To lower your risk:
  • Share your complete medication and supplement list with every clinician and pharmacist
  • Use one main pharmacy when possible so they can run safety checks
  • Ask specifically about alcohol, caffeine, and food interactions such as grapefruit
  • Check labels to avoid taking the same active ingredient, like acetaminophen, from multiple products
  • Be cautious with herbal products, which can change how your body processes medicines
  Call your clinician if you notice new symptoms after starting a medicine or supplement.
• ‍What is medication reconciliation and why does it matter?
  Medication reconciliation is the process of comparing your current medication list with what is prescribed during visits, hospital stays, and after discharge. The goal is one accurate list that everyone uses.At each visit:
  • Bring your updated list and, if possible, your bottles
  • Ask the team to confirm the list and remove old items
  • Ask them to explain anything that is new, stopped, or changed
  An Understood Care advocate can help you build and maintain this list, coordinate with your pharmacist, and share updates with all your clinicians.
• ‍What situations are especially high risk for medication problems?
  Extra care is important when:
  • Starting or stopping medicines that affect the heart, blood pressure, blood sugar, breathing, or mental health
  • Using more than one medicine that causes sleepiness or dizziness
  • Taking many medicines at once, sometimes called polypharmacy
  • Returning home after a hospital stay
  • New problems with memory, vision, or swallowing make it harder to manage pills
  In these times, ask for written instructions, a clear plan, and a follow up appointment.
• ‍How can I create a simple system to manage my medicines?
  Ideas that help many people:
  • Use a pill organizer with morning, midday, evening, and bedtime sections
  • Set phone alarms or use a paper chart in a place you see often
  • Link doses to daily activities like breakfast or brushing your teeth
  • Set up automatic refills and calendar reminders to reorder early
  • Ask a caregiver or advocate to review your system and help if needed
  The best system is one that fits your daily routine.
• ‍What are the basics of safe storage and handling at home?
  For safer use:
  • Store medicines in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture unless the label says otherwise
  • Avoid keeping them in a steamy bathroom if possible
  • Keep them in original containers or clearly labeled organizers
  • Keep all medicines out of reach of children and pets
  Follow any special storage instructions on the label.
• ‍When should I call my clinician or pharmacist about a medicine?
  Call promptly if you have:
  • Rash, swelling, trouble breathing, severe nausea, or confusion
  • Side effects that do not improve or interfere with daily life
  • Concerns about cost or confusion about instructions
  • Missed doses of medicines that protect your heart, prevent clots, or treat seizures
  Call emergency services for severe allergic reactions, chest pain, trouble breathing, or other life threatening symptoms.
• ‍How can I talk with my clinician about reducing or stopping medicines?
  As your health changes, some medicines may no longer be needed or may be safer at lower doses. At your visit:
  • Share your goals for pain, sleep, mood, and daily activities
  • Ask which medicines are still clearly helping
  • Ask whether any doses can be lowered or stopped safely
  • Request a clear plan and timeline for any changes
  An Understood Care advocate can help you define your goals, review your list, prepare questions, and coordinate follow up so changes stay safe and aligned with what matters most to you.
• ‍What quick checklist can I use during visits?
  You can bring this simple list:
  • Updated medication list and bottles
  • Ask what to start, stop, or change and why
  • Confirm how to take each medicine and what to avoid
  • Review which side effects require a call or visit
  • Clarify follow up plans and who to contact with questions
  If you want hands on help with any of this, Understood Care advocates can support you with communication, appointments, and care coordination.

References

• National Institute on Aging. Taking Medicines Safely as You Age. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/medicines-and-medication-management/taking-medicines-safely-you-age
• National Institute on Aging. Tips for Taking Medicines Safely as You Age PDF. https://order.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2023-03/tips-take-medicines-safely.pdf
• US Food and Drug Administration. Patient Labeling Resources including Medication Guides and Instructions for Use. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/fdas-labeling-resources-human-prescription-drugs/patient-labeling-resources
• US Food and Drug Administration. Learn About Your Medicines. https://www.fda.gov/patients/learn-about-your-medicines
• US Food and Drug Administration. The Over the Counter Drug Facts Label. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/over-counter-drug-facts-label
• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Medication Reconciliation Primer. https://psnet.ahrq.gov/primer/medication-reconciliation
• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. MATCH Toolkit Introduction. https://www.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/settings/hospital/match/intro.html
• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Designing the Medication Reconciliation Process. https://www.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/settings/hospital/match/chapter-3.html
• MedlinePlus. Using Over the Counter Medicines Safely. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000882.htm
• MedlinePlus. Taking Multiple Medicines Safely. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000883.htm
• MedlinePlus. Storing Your Medicines. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000534.htm
• Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Medication Errors An Overview for Clinicians. https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196%2814%2900439-X/fulltext
• Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. Optimizing Medication Prescribing in Older Patients. https://www.ccjm.org/content/85/2/136
• Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. Medication Management in Older Adults. https://www.ccjm.org/content/85/2/129
• US Food and Drug Administration. Patient Medication Information proposed format. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-proposes-new-easy-read-medication-guide-patients-patient-medication-information
• Understood Care. Care Coordination. https://understoodcare.com/care-types/care-coordination
• Understood Care. Appointments. https://understoodcare.com/care-types/appointments
• Understood Care. Communication. https://understoodcare.com/care-types/communication
• Understood Care. Chronic Care. https://understoodcare.com/care-types/chronic-care
• Understood Care. Lower Costs of Medication. https://understoodcare.com/lower-costs-of-medication
• Understood Care. Home Care. https://understoodcare.com/care-types/home-care‍

This content is for education only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you have new weakness, severe pain, fever with confusion, chest pain, or trouble breathing, call emergency services.