Take only medication given to you by your physician
or pharmacist. Do not share other people’s medication.
Read the label every time you take medication to
make sure you are taking it correctly. Call your
physician or pharmacist if you have questions.
Never take medication in the dark.
Do not stop taking medication just because you feel
better unless your physician tells you to stop taking it.
Do not take your medication out of one bottle and
put it in another one.
Place all of your medication out of the reach of
children and pets.
Keep your “Know Your Medications” card updated.
If you take medication daily, a compartmental
medication box may be helpful.
Do not keep medication in your car, by the stove, or
in the bathroom because heat and moisture can
affect how it works.
Check the expiration date on all medication. Throw
away all medication if the date has passed.
If you feel any medication is making you ill or
causing pain, call your physician immediately.
In the Hospital
Take your “Know Your Medications” wallet card with
you to the hospital, or bring all of your medications
in their original bottles. Include any over-the-counter
medications, vitamins, and herbals.
Tell your physician or nurse about any allergies or
reactions you have had to medication in the past.
Also write these on your “Know Your Medications”
wallet card.
If you feel any medication is making you ill or causing
you pain, tell your physician or nurse right away.
When you leave the hospital, ask your physician or
nurse to clearly tell you what medication you should
take and how to take them. Ask your nurse to help
you update your “Know Your Medications” card .
Never be afraid to ask your physician, nurse, or pharmacist about your medications. Speak up if you have any questions.
At the Pharmacy
Go to the same pharmacy for all new medication
prescriptions and refills. That way, the pharmacist
filling the prescription will have a complete list of
your medications. He or she can make sure that all of
your medication works together and will not make
you ill.
If you use more than one pharmacy, make
sure each one has a complete list of your
medications.
Ask the pharmacist the name of the medication and
how you should take it. Make sure this information
matches what your physician told you.
Make sure that any refill of medication is the same
color, size, and shape. If there is any difference,
ask why.
If you have ANY questions about your medication,
ask your pharmacist.
At the Physician's Office
Always take your updated “Know Your Medications”
wallet card to your appointment. This will tell your
physician everything you are taking, including
prescription medications, over-the-counter
medications, and herbals.
Tell your physician about any allergies or reactions
that you have had to medication in the past.
What I Need to Know About Each Medication
What is the name of each medication?
What is it for?
How much should I take, and when?
How should I take it? With food?
How long should I take it?
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Are there any side effects?
What should I do if I have side effects?
Is it safe to take with other medications I am taking,
including over-the-counter medications, vitamins,
or herbals?
What food, beverages, or activities should I avoid
while taking it?
”Know Your Medications” Card
Pick up a “Know Your Medications” wallet card at your local hospital. Maintain your card and keep it with you at all times for easy access.
Taking an active role in your own care can help
prevent medication errors.
Printable versions of the “Know Your Medications” wallet card are available:
Mercy Hospital Cadillac
Mercy Hospital Grayling
Munson Healthcare
Patient Safety Questions
If you have a question related to patient safety at Munson Medical Center, please contact the Patient
Liaison at (231) 935-5051 and patientliaison-mmc@mhc.net.
For questions at Kalkaska Memorial Health Center, please contact (231) 258-7541 or kmhc@mhc.net.
For questions at Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital, please contact (231) 352-2265 or pomh@mhc.net.
