Patient's Guide to Medications

 At Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals, we are dedicated to every aspect of your care. That includes
making sure you know about the medicine you take and how it may interact with food and other medications.

So before you take any medicine, whether your doctor gives it to you or you purchase it over the counter, ask some very important questions.

Every time you take medicine, you should be able to answer the following questions about each medication
you take:

• Why am I taking this medicine?
• How do I take it?
• How long will I need to take it?
• What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
• What are the side effects?
• What should I do if I have any of these side effects?
• Should I change the way I eat or avoid any foods while taking this medicine?
• Do I need to refill this medicine?
• How do I store this medicine?

If you are in the hospital and the nurses give you medication, be sure to ask the following questions:

• What is the name of this medicine?
• Why am I taking this medicine?
• How often will I take it?
• What are the side effects of this medicine?
• Should I change the way I eat while I am taking this medicine?

Tracking Your Medications Online

You can track your medications online using MyProvidence, a free and secure online personal health record. This record will provide valuable information to your pharmacist, nurses and doctors. It is important your health care workers have a current and accurate list of all medications you are taking to assist them when prescribing new medications.

Be sure to list all medications you are taking in MyProvidence, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbals. Print a copy and bring it with you to each of your doctor
appointments, diagnostic tests and hospital visits. Update medication changes and carry a copy with you at all times in case of emergency.

Common Drug Interactions

Some of the medicines you take can interact with each other or with the foods you eat. Be sure your doctor
knows every medication you’re taking before getting a prescription for any new medication. Don’t forget to
mention any herbs, vitamins or over-the-counter medications you take.

It is a good idea to always use the same pharmacy. Your pharmacy will keep a record of all the medications it
fills for you. Ask your pharmacist about any possible interactions before purchasing over-the-counter medications, vitamins or herbal products.