Your Guide to Safely Managing Multiple Medications

Keep yourself on track and take your medications correctly.

If you’re prescribed multiple medications, you might have to take them at different times, take some with or without food or just have to stay on top of refills. And the more medications you take, the easier it is to make a mistake — whether that means missing a dose, taking the wrong pill or taking too much of a certain prescription.

So how do you stay safe and keep your medications in order? Here’s some advice from a Geisinger pharmacist.

Staying on track is easy

According to Lori Hildebrand, pharmacy manager at Geisinger Reedsville, the trick to managing multiple medications is to get organized.

“Make sure your medical team and pharmacist know about all the medications you’re taking,” says Hildebrand. “And once you have your prescriptions, there are simple steps you can take to keep track of them.”

Ready to get your medications in order? Get started with these tips:

Make a list

You can find free medication charts online. Print one out and hang it in a visible spot.

Keep an up-to-date list of all the medicines and drugs you’re taking. Include everything, like:

Prescription medications
Over-the-counter drugs
Vitamins
Supplements
Herbs

Keep this list handy and share it with your:

Healthcare provider
Pharmacist
Other members of your healthcare team
Family
Caregivers

Want someone to look it over?

“You’re always welcome to speak with your pharmacist to review your medications,” Hildebrand says.

Keep drug information handy

Start a file for the paperwork that comes with your prescriptions. That way, you and your family members or caregivers will have a reference if you have questions.

Use one pharmacy

It seems like pharmacies are cropping up everywhere. It may be tempting to shop at multiple spots to find the best prices on your medicine. Or to turn to an internet pharmacy to find a deal. But using one pharmacy keeps all your information in one place. And that makes it easier for your pharmacist to watch out for drug interactions and possible side effects.

If cost is an issue, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You may be able to replace some brand-name drugs with generics.

To help you save money, Ms. Hildebrand notes that Geisinger has their own prescription discount plan. “This can be applied toward the cost of medications not covered by your insurance of if you don’t have prescription drug coverage,” she says. “Geisinger also price matches with local retail pharmacies and Good Rx.”

Make a chart or use a calendar

Calendars and charts are great ways to keep yourself on schedule. Write your dosing times down in advance and check them off as you go.

This is especially helpful for medications you take only weekly or monthly, like:

Prescription vitamin D
Medications to prevent osteoporosis
Injectable diabetic products

Invest in a pill organizer

Many organizers are available with compartments for each day of the week — or even each part of the day. These take the guesswork out of taking your medications correctly. Find one online or at most stores.

Other options for better organization? Turn to time savers like:

Medication synchronization, where all your prescriptions are due for renewal at the same time
Automatic refills through mail-order
Prepacked medication cards that contain all timed medications together for a certain time of day

(This option isn’t available everywhere, but most Geisinger pharmacies will help with this whenever possible.)

Set an alarm

With multiple medicines, remembering to take them on time can be challenging. But to be sure you take it at the correct time each day, start by setting alarms on your watch or phone to remind you. And if you have a digital voice assistant, use it to set a reminder.

Always take your medications exactly the way they’re prescribed. If you miss a dose and don’t know what to do, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider for advice.

Don’t stop taking medicine on your own

If you’re considering stopping a medication, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist first. “Stopping medicine abruptly can cause side effects, which may be unpleasant,” says Hildebrand. “Always talk to a medical professional first.” They can help you cut back your dose slowly. Or find a different medicine altogether.

Get rid of old or outdated medicines

If you have expired medicines, dispose of them. This can help you avoid accidentally taking the wrong medication.

Look for medication drop boxes at most pharmacies and municipal buildings. For disposal at a Geisinger Pharmacy, just put your old items into one of our drop boxes, and we'll handle the rest.

Be proactive

Managing multiple medications well matters, especially since medications can counteract each other.

If you’re trying to manage multiple medications for yourself, or you’re a caregiver for someone else and you have questions about prescriptions, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist. A team approach is the safest and smartest way to go.