You are in charge of your medication before, during and after cancer treatment. A medication mistake can be deadly. According to the American Hospital Association, one of the most common causes of medication error is incomplete patient information. It is your responsibility to ASK QUESTIONS and communicate with your doctor and pharmacist. It is important to get a prescription filled and take the medication as directed.
Current Medications
- Keep a record of your current medications on your Breast Cancer Advocate iPhone App and update it frequently. Include all herbs, supplements, vitamins and over-the-counter medicines.
- Keep records of the doctor who prescribed each medicine and the pharmacy where you bought it.
- List allergies to medications and x-ray procedures on your Breast Cancer Advocate iPhone App
- Tell your health care provider about any illnesses you may have such as diabetes.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- Please spell the name of the medication.
- Is there a generic version available?
- Why are you prescribing this medicine?
- Please write the reason for this medicine on the bottom of the prescription.
- Should I discontinue any of my other medications while taking this prescription?
- How should I take this medicine?
- When should I take it?
- How much should I take each time?
- How long do I need to take it?
- What should I do if I forget to take it?
- When will I feel better?
- Can I stop taking it if I feel better?
- Are there any side effects and which ones should I tell you about?
- Should I refill this prescription?
- Are there any foods, drinks or activities to avoid with this prescription?
- Ask your doctor for informational brochures on your medicine.
At the Pharmacy
- Try to use the same pharmacy to buy all your medications.
- If you change pharmacies, give the pharmacist a list of ALL your medications.
- Confirm the pharmacist understands what the doctor prescribes.
- Check the label on the bottle, tube, etc. you receive to double check the correct medicine and dosage.
- Request informational brochures.
At Home
- Keep medications in their original containers
- Always read the label before taking the medication
- Turn on the light before you take your medication
- Store your medication in a cool, dry place
- When you take a medication, move the container to a different spot so you know you have taken it.
- Talk to the pharmacist about helpful aids, such as a labeled pill box, particularly if you are taking multiple medications.
In the Hospital
- Confirm the health care worker checks your hospital ID bracelet twice and compares it with your medical record.
- Ask what you are being given and why.
- Remind the staff of any allergies you may have.
- If you are too sick to understand instructions, ask a friend or relative to take notes.
- Review all medications with the hospital staff before you leave the hospital. Take notes.
- See Reduce Medical Errors
For more comprehensive medication information, go to:
Institute for Safe Medication Practices
