8 WAYS TO INCREASE MEDICATION SAFETY

The medications you take are an important part of your health care.  As part of our ongoing patient safety program, Tufts Health Plan has compiled a list of eight medication safety tips you can use to help your doctor and pharmacist provide you with quality health care.

·        Keep a current list of any food, medication or latex allergies.  Be sure to discuss your allergies with your doctor, pharmacist and other health care providers.

·        Maintain an up-to-date list of all the medications you take, including vitamins, over-the-counter products and herbal remedies.  Be sure to:

Ø      Keep a written list of the name dose and frequency, such as twice daily

Ø      Update the list to include new prescriptions or allergies

Ø      Review the list with your doctor at each office visit

Ø      Carry the list with you at all times

·        Read prescription labels carefully.  Always follow the directions exactly.  If a medication you have taken before looks different in any way, speak with your pharmacist immediately.

·        If you have questions about a prescription - including possible side effects or interactions with other medications or foods - contact your doctor or pharmacist.

·        Let your doctor or pharmacist know if you experience any problems with your medications. Contact your doctor immediately if you stop taking your medications for any reason.

·        Ask your doctor if a new prescription you receive replaces any of your current medications.

·        Keep medications in their original containers, except when you place them in a medication organizer.

·        Whenever possible, fill all your prescriptions at the same pharmacy.  By doing this, the pharmacy staff will be able to review your record for potential allergies or interactions with your other prescriptions.  If you use both retail and mail order pharmacies to fill your prescriptions, make sure that each pharmacy is aware of all your medications and allergies.