Dear HoG: Medication List

Horizons in Hemophilia, June 2010 

Dear HoG:
I see several doctors who each prescribe medications for varying conditions. How do I make sure that these medications don’t interfere with each other and create other problems?
--Concerned in Columbus

Dear Concerned:
You can go to the Internet web site www.drugs.com and at the top of the page select interactions checker.  Enter the names of all the medications you take, and you will get a list of alerts about any drug interactions or any precautions to be aware of when taking certain medications together. Your pharmacist can also advise you of any drug interactions as well when you pick up your prescriptions. You are wise to be your own advocate and be knowledgeable about your medications. It is always a good idea to carry your list of medications with you and the name and number of your pharmacy.  When you see any doctor, even during vacation or when traveling out of state, he or she will want a complete list of any medications you take. Each year HoG pharmacy and Beacon Pharmacy clients receive a Client Medication Profile form in the mail.  Clients are asked to list all their medications and return the form to the pharmacist for review.  This form is ideal for sharing with other medical providers as well.