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OncoTips > Cancer Resources > General Tips

Keeping a Medication List

James Metz, MD
Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: November 1, 2001

As a cancer patient, it is very important for you to keep a list of all medications you are currently taking. The number of pills can be overwhelming at times, and it is very understandable that you might become confused. It is important to carry the list at all times so you can show the doctors and nurses what medications you are taking. You may be under the care of a number of different physicians and all of the doctors may not know what others have prescribed. Significant interactions can occur with some medicines that your doctor needs to consider before prescribing any new medication.

If you ever go to the emergency room a list of current medications is extremely helpful to the emergency room staff. Your treatment can be started promptly if the doctors know all of the current medications you are taking. There are thousands of medications available that can have serious interactions. Keeping a list makes everyone?s life easier.

It is important to list the name of each medication, the dose in milligrams, and the frequency that the medication is prescribed. The doctor who prescribed the medication and the date started should also be listed. The following is a sample list that can be copied and kept in a purse or wallet once the blanks have been filled. If you are not sure about any of your medications, ask your doctor or nurse to help you with the list.