Managing Your Medications

It's important that you use your medications safely and store them appropriately. It can be hard to keep track of when to take each medication and how much to take of each medication, especially when you are taking several medications for different conditions. In addition, using one medication can sometimes interfere with how another medication works or taken together they may cause serious side effects.

Here are some simple guidelines and tools to help you better manage your medications.

Keep A List Of Your Medications

First, keep a list of your medications and the medications your family takes. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and natural remedies. It also includes all forms of medications, such as allergy shots, medicines you take by mouth, eye drops and medications you put on your skin. Keeping a list and sharing it with your doctors helps ensure your medications work together and you can avoid drug interactions.

Storing Your Medications

Remember to keep all medications away and out-of-reach of children.

Also, try to keep your medications in their original containers unless you use a "dose reminder" box. This makes it easier to check to see if you have taken your medicine for the day and the right amount for the day. In addition, don't put all your medicines in one container to avoid any confusion regarding dosage and why each medicine is needed.

You should not store medicines in the bathroom. The heat and humidity in the bathroom may damage medicines. Keeping medicines in a cool, dry place away from sunlight is a better idea. Also, you should keep medicines in a place where you or a family member can find them in case of emergencies.

How Can We Help

MyBlue Personal Health Record lets you keep your health care records up-to-date and organized. It can also help you track your personal health data and manage your medications. It is easy to use and we update your prescription information automatically with the claims information submitted by you and pharmacists. You can view information collected on and after October 2008.

You will need to register on Blue Health Connection to access MyBlue Personal Health Record. Once registered, a Personal Identification Number or PIN will be mailed to you within five to ten days. This helps maintain the security of the health information for you and your family. There is also a "How to Guide" you can use to help guide you while using MyBlue Personal Health Record.

The Medication Advisor under Blue Health Connection can be a good resource. It has a listing of hundreds of drugs your can use as a reference. When you click on the drug, you get information about how to use the drug, other names of the drug, and any side effects to be aware of while taking the drug.

March 2009/Revised December 2009. Written by Paula Spurway, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Resource: Blue Health Connection Medication Advisor.

Page last updated: December 16, 2011