Restorative Pain Medicine Physicians

Being able to tell a provider what medications you or a loved one take could be a life-saver

Why medications matter………

Medications—both over-the-counter and by prescription—can make a big difference in how we feel from day to day.

Whether you take a few vitamins, but especially if you take several pills regularly, you are the one who knows best what you take and how you feel when you do—or don’t take them.

Have you ever been in the doctor’s office and heard the question “What medications are you taking?” You might think, “Why are they asking? Isn’t that in my medical record?”

More than likely the list of medicines is in your record. But the medical assistant or doctor isn’t asking the question to annoy you. It’s because they want to be sure—for the sake of your health—that the record is accurate and that nothing has changed.

This is particularly important in an emergency. The following describes a difficult scenario that can unfold in an urgent healthcare setting.

“We’ve had patients who are very ill come in with no family with them and share with us only a small amount of information about the medicines they take…something like, ‘I take a little pink pill in the morning and a blood thinner,’”

Depending on the situation that “bare minimum” information isn’t nearly enough for the healthcare professionals caring for a patient to feel comfortable taking the next steps.

“Unless a patient or a close loved one provides the information, it can take several phone calls to pharmacies and medical offices to come up with a complete list.” “Most importantly, the time spent on tracking down medications can delay urgently needed medical care.”

In the medical world, the problem of not knowing all of a patient’s medications can be complicated. Here’s why:

• People might go to more than one pharmacy to have prescriptions filled.
• Some people might see more than one doctor or provider. And care teams can change quickly after major medical events (for example, when patients are transferred from a hospital department to another facility).
• Some medications have more than one name. And some medication names can be dangerously similar.
• Sometimes, people will take medications differently than prescribed.
• People might take vitamins, supplements or naturopathic products that aren’t prescribed.
• Healthcare computer systems don’t always communicate with one another, depending on where you go.
• Prescriptions change.

In short, there’s no easy way for healthcare providers to know your exact medications with full certainty—unless you tell them.

Until there are better ways, in our everyday world, one solution is simple. Make a list of all medications you take and help your loved ones do the same. This medication list will be a valuable safety tool for you and your providers.

It can prevent errors, such as missing medications or doubling up on the same or similar medication. It can also prevent dosing mistakes (too much or too little) and negative interactions between two or more medications.

Keeping an accurate record can help ensure you avoid serious complications, admission to the hospital or even death. It serves as a critical lifeline.  

Making your list

It’s important for your medication list to fully reflect everything you take. “Medications” include:

• Prescriptions
• Drug samples
• Over-the-counter drugs (for example, aspirin or ibuprofen)
• Vitamins
• Herbal/naturopathic remedies
• Nutritional supplements
• Dietary supplements
• Biologic Medications

Your list should also include the following information:

• Your name, date of birth and any medication allergies or adverse effects
• Name of each medication (brand and generic), vitamin, herbal or naturopathic product
• Strength (for example, 200 milligram)
• Route taken (for example, by mouth or rubbed in)
• Quantity (for example, number of pills)
• When taken (for example, once a day OR as needed)
• Pharmacy where the order was filled
• Provider who prescribed it

Storing your list

Keep the list handy. We recommend keeping a copy of it in a purse or wallet. You should even keep a copy with a family member or on the refrigerator, or store it using a computer program or phone app. Do what you can to make sure it can be found in case of emergency.

Maintaining your list

It’s important to keep the list updated. Please ensure that the list you carry with you is accurate at all times.

Make sure to change your list each time you start or stop taking a medication. If you are uncertain about what to include on your list, ask a pharmacist or primary care provider to assist you in filling out your list or understanding why you’re taking a particular medication. Your Pharmacy can also provide you with a print-out of your current medications.

Assisting others

If you’re a caregiver for someone else or have a family member who is unable to create and maintain a medication list, step in to help. Elderly patients who take multiple medications are particularly at risk for dangerous medication errors.

Making a difference

Armed with your handy, complete and accurate medication list, you can protect yourself from medication-related harm. It can save your life!” And you’ll feel better.

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Frequently asked questions…

Arguably, the downsides of vacation trips are jetlag, in-flight food and … packing. Unless your favorite pastime is getting everything to fit into a tiny carry-on, you probably know the stress of having to make sure everything fits (and weighs) just right.

Traveling with medications adds a whole new factor to the equation. But don’t stress! There are some simple rules and tips to follow when bringing your over-the-counter painkillers, vitamins or prescription medications on-the-go.

Marcia Wyman, RPh, PharmD, BCPS, talks about how to store medications before take-off.

Tips for traveling with medication

Here are some ways to prepare before your trip:

Keep your medications in their original containers

Ideally, your prescription medications should be kept in their original containers, complete with the pharmacy label still intact. Sure, it may not feel like it’s the most space-conscious way to store them, but this helps you and airport security identify medications.

If you do end up having to store your medications in a pill organizer, label it with the medication name, dose, frequency and expiration date. Or just take a photo of the original bottle so you have all that info on hand. You should also talk to your healthcare provider if certain medications need to be stored in a specially sealed container.

“Oral medication that comes in individual unit-dose or unit-of-use packaging should generally not be removed from the packaging until just prior to use,” notes Dr. Wyman. This may include sublingual tablets such as:

• Nitroglycerin.
• Oral disintegrating, chewable tablets and films.

As for over-the-counter (OTC) medications, pain killers or vitamins, you shouldn’t have any obstacles. You can transfer OTC medications into a pill organizer if you want, just make sure you have the right amount.

Dr. Wyman also recommends checking with your healthcare provider regarding over-the-counter products as well. “Most OTC products, pain killers and vitamins may be temporarily stored outside their original containers unless they are in individual unit-dose packaging,” she says.

Bring documentation for prescription medications

While you’re allowed to bring your prescription medications with you on a flight, it’s important to have some sort of documentation with you. Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor that states the need for the medication. This can be helpful if there are any questions or issues during security checks or customs inspections.

Check airline and destination regulations

Before your trip, research the specific regulations of the airline and the destination country regarding the transportation of medication. Some medications may be restricted or require additional documentation, especially for controlled substances.

You can look up the rules and regulations of your destination by checking their embassy page. In most cases, you should be allowed at least a 30-day supply of medication, but be sure to double-check and call if you’re unsure.

If your destination doesn’t allow traveling with certain medications you need, talk to your healthcare provider about other options and alternatives.

Keep medications in your carry-on luggage

Many of us know about the ups and downs of flying. Especially when it comes to luggage, things sometimes are out of our control. So, make sure to have all of your medications in your carry-on when you’re traveling so you have easy access and they can’t be lost with any misplaced checked baggage.

Pack extra — just in case

Again, it’s hard to predict what obstacles you may hit while traveling. That’s why it’s best to plan for the unexpected, especially when it comes to your health.

Take extra medication with you in case your flight is delayed and you need to stay away longer than planned. Depending on how long you’ll be out of town, you can ask your healthcare provider to give you a refill ahead of time.

Keep your timed medications on track

If you need to take medication at specific times, consider adjusting your medication schedule to account for time zone changes during your travel. Consult with your healthcare provider for guidance on how to adjust the timing of your medication.

How to safely store medicine when packing

After reviewing any safety guidelines, airline rules and embassy pages, it’s time to get to packing.

Here are some general tips for packing your medication, as well as storing them at your final destination:

• Pack a few days’ supply of your medication in your carry-on, and pack the rest in your checked luggage, if needed.
• Store medications in a waterproof, separate compartment or pocket in your suitcase for easy access.
• Always keep medications out of the reach of children and pets during the flight or at hotels.
• In general, keep medications in a dry area and away from direct sunlight.
• Keep your medication tightly capped in its original container when not in use.
• Keep a travel health kit of other first-aid items you may need like bandages, hydrocortisone cream, eyedrops, etc.
• Use a clear, resealable bag for storing medications. This makes it easier for security officers to inspect your medications during the screening process.

How to pack refrigerated items

Depending on the type of medicine you’re traveling with, you may also need to keep certain medications refrigerated. In general, Dr. Wyman recommends talking with your healthcare provider and/or pharmacist about what kind of storage your medications require during travel.

If needed, here are some tips on how to store refrigerated medications:

• Use a medical-grade cooler to store medication.
• Keep medicine in the shade as much as possible.
• Don’t add too much ice — freezing medication can damage it.
• Have a thermometer while traveling to keep track of the temperature.

How to store liquid medication and other medical equipment

Storing and packing pills is one thing, but there are other types of medications that need special attention when taken on vacation. Be prepared: If you have liquid medications, those may need to be X-rayed or opened separately.

Also, keep supplies such as freezer packs, IV bags, pumps and syringes together for inspection. Use insulated bags or cooling packs if necessary, and let the flight attendants know if you need refrigeration during the flight.

The bottom line

Traveling with medications is something important to plan ahead for. It’s a good idea to ask your healthcare provider for any other things you should know about your specific medications. This way, you’re as prepared as possible before your day of the trip — and you can enjoy your travels without stress!

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