Every year, medication errors send hundreds of thousands of people to the hospital-and many of those mistakes are preventable. It’s not always about a pharmacist mixing up pills or a doctor writing the wrong dose. Often, it’s something simpler: a patient forgets which pill is for what, takes two by accident, or doesn’t tell their doctor they’re also taking a herbal supplement. The good news? You don’t have to wait for something to go wrong. You can build your own personal medication safety plan-with your care team’s help-and drastically reduce the risk.
Start with a Complete Medication List
Before you even talk to your doctor, get every medication you take written down. Not just the prescriptions. Include over-the-counter pain relievers, sleep aids, vitamins, herbal supplements, and even eye drops or creams. Many people forget these, but they can interact with your prescriptions in dangerous ways. For example, taking St. John’s Wort with certain antidepressants can cause serious side effects. A simple list should include:- The exact name of the medication (brand and generic if you know it)
- The dosage (e.g., 10 mg, 500 mg)
- How often you take it (once daily, twice a day, as needed)
- Why you take it (e.g., “for high blood pressure,” “for anxiety”)
- Who prescribed it (doctor’s name or clinic)
Ask Your Doctor and Pharmacist to Review It
Don’t just hand them the list and assume they’ll check everything. Ask them to go through it with you. Say something like: “Can we make sure all these are still necessary and safe together?” Pharmacists are trained to spot interactions. They can tell you if your blood pressure medicine and that common antacid you take for heartburn might cancel each other out. Your doctor can help you decide if you’re taking too many pills for the same issue-or if one medication is being used to treat a side effect from another. This is called “deprescribing,” and it’s a real, growing part of safe care. If you’re seeing multiple specialists, make sure each one knows what the others have prescribed. A cardiologist might not know your rheumatologist gave you a new steroid. That’s why you need to be the one who connects the dots.Use Clear, Simple Labels
Your pill bottles should tell you everything you need to know at a glance. If the pharmacy label is too small, faded, or hard to read, ask for a larger print version. Some pharmacies offer braille labels or audio labels for people with vision issues. If you’re managing medications for someone with memory problems-like dementia or Alzheimer’s-don’t rely on the original bottle. Use a pill organizer with labeled compartments (morning, afternoon, evening, night). Write the name of the pill and its purpose directly on the compartment with a permanent marker. For example: “Lisinopril-blood pressure-take with breakfast.” Keep all medications in their original containers. That’s where you’ll find the FDA-approved prescribing information, including side effects and warnings. Never transfer pills to unmarked containers like candy jars or empty spice bottles. One caregiver in Portland shared that her mother took a double dose of her heart medication because she thought the unlabeled bottle in her nightstand was her blood pressure pill. She ended up in the ER.Store Medications Safely
Medications shouldn’t be sitting out where anyone can grab them. That includes children, visitors, or even yourself on a bad day. Keep all prescription drugs-especially opioids, sedatives, or stimulants-in a locked box or cabinet. A simple lockbox from the hardware store works fine. If you live with others, make sure they know the box is off-limits. Avoid storing pills in the bathroom. Humidity and heat from showers can break down the medicine. The bedroom drawer or kitchen cabinet away from the stove is better. For people at risk of overdose or self-harm, a locked box isn’t just smart-it’s life-saving.
Set Up a Daily Routine
Taking pills at the same time every day makes it easier to remember. Link them to habits you already do: after brushing your teeth, with breakfast, before bed. Use alarms on your phone or a simple timer. Some people find that a pill organizer with alarms built in helps a lot. If you’re forgetful, ask a family member or friend to check in once a day. You don’t need to be alone in this. For people with memory loss, use visual cues. Put a sticky note on the mirror: “Pill time = coffee.” Record a short voice note on your phone: “This is your 10 mg Lisinopril. Take it now.” Hearing your own voice can trigger memory better than text.Know the Warning Signs
Not every side effect is dangerous-but some are. Learn what to watch for:- Sudden dizziness or confusion
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Swelling in your feet or face
- Severe rash or itching
- Changes in mood, sleep, or thinking
- Falls or near-falls
Plan for Emergencies
What if you’re found unconscious? Or rushed to the hospital after a fall? First responders need to know what you’re taking-fast. Keep your updated medication list in your wallet or purse. Also, put a copy in your car’s glove box and on your fridge with a magnet. If you wear a medical alert bracelet, make sure it lists your top three medications or conditions. If you’re on high-risk medications like blood thinners or insulin, give a trusted person a copy of your plan. Teach them how to use an emergency kit-like how to give an injection or when to call 911. You wouldn’t leave your home without a fire extinguisher. Don’t leave your health without an emergency plan.
Check In Regularly
Medication safety isn’t a one-time task. It’s an ongoing conversation. Schedule a medication review with your primary care provider at least once a year-even if you feel fine. If you’re on multiple medications or have a chronic condition, do it every six months. Bring your list. Bring your notebook. Bring your questions. Ask: “Is this still working? Is it still safe? Can anything be taken off?” If you’re seeing a specialist, ask if they’ll send a summary of your prescriptions back to your main doctor. Many don’t do this automatically. You have to ask.Involve Your Care Team as a Team
Your care team isn’t just your doctor. It’s your pharmacist, nurse, caregiver, social worker, and even your family. Make sure everyone who helps you is on the same page. If you have a caregiver, invite them to appointments. Let them take notes. Give them a copy of your plan. If you’re uncomfortable doing this alone, ask your doctor’s office if they offer a medication safety consultation. Many clinics now have pharmacists or nurses who specialize in this. The goal isn’t to do everything yourself. It’s to build a system where you’re not the only one holding the responsibility. When your care team works together, mistakes drop. Studies show that patients who have structured, team-based medication reviews are 60% less likely to have a preventable adverse event.You’re the Most Important Part
No app, no pill organizer, no locked box can replace your voice. You’re the one who knows how you feel. You’re the one who notices the dizziness before the fall. You’re the one who remembers that the new pill tastes different. Speak up. Even if you think it’s small. Even if you’re afraid you’ll sound like you’re complaining. Your safety depends on it. Building a personal medication safety plan isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being prepared. It’s about asking for help. It’s about making sure the people who care about you know exactly what you’re taking-and why.What should I do if I miss a dose of my medication?
Don’t double up unless your doctor says it’s okay. Check the information that came with your pill bottle or call your pharmacist. For some medications, like antibiotics or blood thinners, missing a dose can be risky. For others, like a daily vitamin, it’s less urgent. Keep a log of missed doses so you can talk about patterns with your provider.
Can I use a smartphone app to manage my medications?
Apps can help with reminders and tracking, but they’re not foolproof. Many older adults find them confusing, and they don’t replace clear labels or human check-ins. Use apps as a backup-not your only system. Always keep a printed list and make sure someone else knows how to access your medication info in case you can’t.
Why should I tell my doctor about vitamins and supplements?
Many supplements interact with prescription drugs. For example, vitamin K can make blood thinners like warfarin less effective. Garlic or ginkgo can increase bleeding risk. Even fish oil can affect blood pressure meds. Your doctor needs the full picture to keep you safe. Never assume something is “natural” so it’s harmless.
How often should I update my medication list?
Update it every time you start, stop, or change a medication-even if it’s temporary. Also, review and rewrite your list every six months. Pharmacy labels change, dosages adjust, and new meds get added. Your list should always match what’s in your medicine cabinet.
What if my family disagrees with my medication plan?
You have the right to make your own health decisions. But if you’re comfortable, invite them to a care meeting with your doctor. Sometimes, misunderstandings happen because family members don’t know the full reason behind a prescription. A pharmacist or nurse can explain the risks and benefits in plain language. If you’re concerned about coercion or pressure, talk to your doctor privately.
