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After treatment and remission

Medicines I received

A list of the medicines you received is needed for late-effect checks and for choosing new medicines safely in the future.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Shelves of different vials.
Figure 1.Medicine groups — Medicines I received

01Short answer

The list includes chemotherapy drugs (for example anthracyclines), targeted medicines, steroids, immunotherapy, and preventive antibiotics and antivirals. For some medicines the doctor also records the total (cumulative) dose; do not work this out yourself, copy it from the official summary. A separate section lists allergies and serious reactions, and the end lists the medicines you take now.

02Simple explanation

Record every group.

Take cumulative details from the official summary.

Allergies separately.

Keep the current list up to date.

Show it to every doctor.

03Scientific explanation

Heart: anthracyclines may mean heart checks in the future, which is why recording them matters.

Interactions: targeted medicines can interact with some foods and other medicines.

Vaccines: after certain treatments, the vaccination schedule may change.

04What happens in the body?

Groups

Chemotherapy, targeted, steroids, immunotherapy, prevention.

Why it matters

Some medicines need heart, bone or other checks years later.

A heart linked to a vial.
Figure 2.Heart checks — Medicines I received

Allergies

Record every serious reaction with the medicine name.

An amber wristband — Medicines I received
Figure 3.Recording allergies.

Current medicines

Keep a current list, including vitamins and herbal products.

05Your medicine list

Four steps.

Names — Write down the names.1NamesWrite down the names.
Group — Group by type.2GroupGroup by type.
Reactions — Note reactions.3ReactionsNote reactions.
Current list — What you take now.4Current listWhat you take now.
CompleteNothing is forgotten.
SafetyAllergies are known.
Follow-upLate effects are checked.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
GroupsChemotherapy, targeted, steroids, immunotherapy, prevention.
Why it mattersSome medicines need heart, bone or other checks years later.
AllergiesRecord every serious reaction with the medicine name.
Current medicinesKeep a current list, including vitamins and herbal products.

07Key terms

Anthracycline
A chemotherapy group that can affect the heart.
Targeted medicine
A medicine aimed at a specific molecule.
Cumulative dose
The total amount over the whole treatment.
Allergy
An immune reaction to a medicine.
Prophylaxis
Medicines that prevent infection.

08Key points

  • Write down every medicine.
  • Copy from the official summary.
  • Record allergies separately.
  • Update the current list.
  • Show it to every doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

I do not remember all the names.

Ask the hospital for discharge letters or the pharmacy for its records.

Should I list vitamins?

Yes, they can interact too.

Can I keep the list on my phone?

Yes, but keep a paper copy too.

Does this information replace medical advice?

No. This is general education; only your treating doctor can assess your situation.

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. I do not remember all the names.

  2. Should I list vitamins?

  3. Can I keep the list on my phone?

  4. Does this information replace medical advice?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Drugs Approved for Leukemia
  2. Cancer.Net (ASCO). ASCO Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Care Plans
  3. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Personal Health Records
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  5. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Follow-Up Care After Cancer Treatment
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer Survivorship
  7. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Genetic Testing
  8. National Cancer Institute. Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment
  9. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). CT scan
  10. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Bone mineral density test
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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