Carrying a list of all the medicines you take may save your life.

What is the one thing that nearly everyone coming to the hospital has in common? Medications. We all take them.

Your medicine can keep you well, ease your pain, and even save your life. But it can also hurt you. That's why it is so important for all of your healthcare providers to know about every single medicine you take. This includes prescription medicine, non-prescription medicine, alternative medicine and even dietary supplements.

What can you do to prevent problems with your medications?

Make a list of all your medications. Include a description of what each medication is treating, the strength of the medication, how often your take it, and the name and number of the doctor who prescribed it. Share that list with your doctors, pharmacist and other healthcare providers.

Martha Jefferson offers a free Personal Medicine List card that you can carry in your wallet. If you'd like a card, e-mail us or call us at 1-888-652-6663 or (434) 982-7009. Make sure you have a card for each member of your household. We can send you as many as you need. Or, you can click here for a PDF you can print.

How do you use your Personal Medicine List?

• List all medicines you take. This includes any without a prescription like eye drops, skin patches, vitamins, herbals, etc.
• Use a pencil so you can make changes.
• Keep the card up-to-date. If you or your doctors make any changes, add or take away any medicine, change the list.
• Take the card with you anytime you go to a hospital, clinic or doctor.
• Check refill dates on the label of prescriptions so you don't run out of medicines.
• Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to help you learn more about your medicines and how to take them safely.

What else can I do to?

• Remember to keep track of allergic reactions or other problems.
• Make a list of any allergies or problems you have with medicines, foods, latex, etc. and what happens to you when you take or use them.