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- Keep a current and accurate list of all medications (including OTC, Vitamins and Herbals) with you at all times for physician visits to review.    Include drug allergies & current medical condition.

- Aspirin is a very important medication (even w/o a prescription).

- High bood pressure medicines are very important for stroke survivors and anyone with high blood pressure.

- Coumadin (blood thinner) must be managed with dietary and bleeding precautions, as well as getting PTT lab work on schedule.

- Use one pharmacy. It is easier to monitor drug interactions, duplication and usage that way.  Use one physician or at least let each physician know what the other physician(s) have given you.

- Use a pill planner to organize your medications for the coming week.  It is easier to remember if your have taken your medication.

- Keep a note book out for writing down any questions that come up and take it with you to all doctor visits .

- Avoid home remedies, vitamin supplements, etc. without checking with your physician or pharmacist first .

- DON’T:
o Share any medicines not prescribed FOR YOU
o Take any expired medicine
o Split medicine just to save $$$ if they are not prescribed that way or OK’d to split
o Spilt any non-scored tablets, especially if extended-release (not evenly divided)
o Take any veterinary medicine (dog, cat or cow antibiotics)

Tips provided by:
Ed Watkins, Pharm.D., Chief Pharmacist
INTEGRIS SMC Plaza Pharmacy
(405) 636-7717