Keeping Track of Medications

contributed by Emily Mackler, Pharm.D., Symptom Management and Supportive Care Program

Keeping track of your medications and remembering whether a medication has been taken can be a daunting task. Many tools exist that can help you with this process, but what's important is to develop a system that works best for you.

Many tools can help you manage your medications, but what's important is to develop a system that works best for you. The following tools -- some of which are available in the U-M Rogel Cancer Center's patient tool kit -- may help you:

A medication chart describing the medications, the reason you're taking them and the time they should be taken.
A calendar that lists when to take medications each day.
A check-off list allowing you to check off when a medication is taken (even better if it allows you to track side effects or make other notes to monitor how the medication is working for you).
Pill boxes large enough to pre-fill a day's or week's worth of medication.
An alarm system to remind you to take your medications.

The Rogel Cancer Center Symptom Management and Supportive Care Program offers a medication management clinic to help you develop a reliable routine to fit your pharmaceutical needs.