Some best practices for taking medications
Emergency preparation
In case of an emergency, keep a copy of your medication and health profile with you at all times. Some people choose to keep a paper copy in their wallet or purse. Others keep their information stored on a smartphone or tablet. You may consider using a personal portable medical profile, with free forms available online.
Having a document already created that lists all of your current medical conditions, allergies, medications you are taking, and emergency contacts will ensure that your healthcare provider has all of the information that they need to effectively manage your care.
First responders recommend creating a Medical ID profile on your smartphone and wearing a Medical ID bracelet. Include your full name, year of birth, at least one emergency contact, your most important medical information, and any allergies. The American Medical ID website offers guidance about how to choose a wearable ID bracelet.
Medication schedules
Creating a medication schedule will help you or your loved one stay organized; ensure that you are taking the right medications at the right times; quickly, safely, and efficiently refill your pill box; and communicate an accurate list of all of your medications to your healthcare provider. Be sure to list the name of the medication (both brand and generic), dosage, reason for taking, when and how often to take it, and any monitoring that is required. Use our medication schedule form to track all the details concisely.
In transit
- If you are flying, travel with your actual prescription bottles.
- If traveling by car or taking a pill box, you may want to place tape or rubber bands across the tops to prevent accidental spills.
Disposing of medicines
It is important that you do not take medications after the expiration date listed on the label. Once a medication has expired, there is no guarantee that the medication will be safe to consume or that the medication will be effective. Taking expired medications can lead to serious illness or antibiotic resistance.
Most medication can be disposed of in the household trash after being mixed in an unpalatable substance, such as dirt, kitty litter, or coffee grounds and then placed in a plastic sealed bag. However, certain medications should only be flushed down the toilet because they can be harmful if accidentally consumed by children, pets, or another person. When throwing out medication bottles, be sure to scratch out all personal information.
If you are unsure how to dispose of your medications, please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends the best options for disposal of unused medication, including how to take part in a community-based drug take-back program in your area.