Medications

This is the information about your medications that should be included in your Medication List and Medication Review:

• All prescription medications and dose

• Why you take it

• All over-the-counter medications you take, like medications for pain, heartburn, bowels, skin, eyes and ears, or vitamins and herbals, and health foods

• Any food or drink that your are talking that is new for you

• For example Aspirin 325 mg, I take one of these pills every day to prevent heart attack

Use the medication list in my HealtheVet to track your medications. Then print a copy for your wallet, one you keep close to your phone and do not forget to take a copy every time you see your provider.

Most common drug side effects:

• Skin rashes or hives

• Bruising or bleeding easily

• Nausea and vomiting,

• Constipation

• Confusion, dizziness, or headaches

• Difficulty breathing

• Sleeplessness, tremors, or nervousness

• Fatigue or listlessness

Less-Common drug reactions:

• Depression, memory loss

• Hallucinations, delirium

• Tics and seizures

• Heart palpitations, arrhythmias, cardiac arrest

Here are some places where you can find additional information about medications you are on, some good safety practices, where you can report medication errors and other topics on medication safety:

• Medications

  • Index to Drug-Specific Information (FDA)

  • Drugs, Supplements, and Herbal Information (MedlinePlus)

  • Pill Identification (Drug.com)

• Safety Practices

  • Medicine Safety: A Toolkit for Families

  • Safe Medication Practices

• Reporting Medication Errors

  • Adverse Event Reporting Program provides information on how to report medication safety alerts (FDA MedWatch)

• Get the latest Safety Articles on Medications

  • Healthy Dose of Reality: Quick Facts on Medication Use

  • Information for Consumers from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)

---

Updated May 20, 2019