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Guide for patients and loved ones

List of medicines and allergies

During treatment you take many medicines. A clear list prevents mistakes.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A pill organiser and a list
Figure 1.A pill organiser and a list

01Short answer

The medicine list records each medicine’s name, what it is for, how and when it is taken (as prescribed), who prescribed it and the start date. Vitamins, herbal products and supplements are included too. A separate section lists allergies: which medicine, food or material, and what the reaction was. Bring the list to every appointment, update it when anything changes and give a copy to your caregiver. It helps prevent drug interactions and allergic reactions.

02Simple explanation

The list is a safety tool.

Allergies are always written separately and clearly.

03Scientific explanation

Medication reconciliation is a standard procedure on hospital admission and discharge that reduces errors.

Some supplements (for example St John’s wort) can change targeted drug levels, so “natural” products are recorded too.

04What happens in the body?

What to write

The medicine name (brand and active substance), its purpose, how it is taken as prescribed, the prescriber, and start and stop dates.

Allergies

Medicine, food, latex, plasters or contrast agents; the type of reaction (rash, breathing difficulty and so on) and the date.

An allergy bracelet
Figure 2.An allergy bracelet — List of medicines and allergies

Updating

Update the list after every change; throw away old versions to avoid confusion.

A review with the pharmacist
Figure 3.A review with the pharmacist

05Making the list

Four steps.

Gather the boxes — All medicines in one place.1Gather the boxesAll medicines in one place.
Write each one — Name and purpose.2Write each oneName and purpose.
Allergies — A separate section.3AllergiesA separate section.
Update and share — Bring it to visits.4Update and shareBring it to visits.
Fewer errorsInteractions are considered.
Fast helpEverything is clear in an emergency.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
What to writeThe medicine name (brand and active substance), its purpose, how it is taken as prescribed, the prescriber, and start and stop dates.
AllergiesMedicine, food, latex, plasters or contrast agents; the type of reaction (rash, breathing difficulty and so on) and the date.
UpdatingUpdate the list after every change; throw away old versions to avoid confusion.

07Key terms

Active substance
The part of a medicine that works.
Interaction
One substance changing another’s effect.
Medication reconciliation
Checking the medicine list.

08Key points

  • List all medicines and supplements.
  • Record allergies separately.
  • Bring it to every visit.
  • Update after changes.

09Frequently asked questions

Paper or phone?

Both; your caregiver should have a copy too.

What if I miss a dose?

Do not double up on your own; ask your team.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Paper or phone?

  2. What if I miss a dose?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Managing Your Care
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Treatment
  4. Cancer Research UK. Coping with cancer
  5. Cancer.Net (ASCO). ASCO Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Care Plans
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Leukemia — Patient Version
  7. NHS. Sepsis
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Your Diagnosis
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Female Fertility and Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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