Keeping a medicines list

The more medicines you take, the more difficult it can be to remember important information about them. A medicines list can be a useful way to keep all the information about your medicines together.

 
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How will a medicines list help me? 

A medicines list can be a useful way to keep all the information about your medicines together.

You can use a medicines list to record:

  • all the medicines you use, including prescription, non-prescription, over-the-counter, minerals, herbal and natural medicines
  • what each medicine is for
  • how much of each medicine to use
  • when and how to use each medicine.

Keeping a medicines list will:

  • help you to know more about your medicines
  • remind you how and when to take your medicines
  • ensure everyone involved in your health care knows which medicines you use
  • help your doctor and pharmacist check and review your medicines
  • provide vital information about your medicines in an emergency.

Knowing as much as you can about your medicines will help you to:

  • get better results from the medicines you use
  • get the most out of a consultation with your doctor or pharmacist
  • help to prevent side effect and interactions
  • enjoy better health.

How can I start a medicines list?

You can keep a medicines list in two ways: 

  • using the MedicineWise smartphone app, so your medicines list is always with you in your phone
  • writing a paper medicines list and keeping it with you in your wallet or handbag. 

Find out more about these options in the cards that follow. 

MedicineWise smartphone app

Using the free MedicineWise smartphone app means you will always have your medicines and health information with you. It can also:

MedicineWise app on an iPhone

  • remind you how and when to take your medicines so you can get the most out of them
  • help everyone involved in your health care to know which medicines you use so medicines mistakes are prevented
  • help your doctor and pharmacist to check and review your medicines so they can make the right decisions about your health
  • provide vital information about your medicines in an emergency, helping to ensure your safety.

Enter and update your information, and set alarms to remind you when to take your medicines.

Download the app from Google Play or the App Store. It's free.

Find out more about the MedicineWise app and how it works.

Paper medicines lists

You can keep a medicines list on paper too. Make sure you record:

  • all the medicines you currently use including prescription, non-prescription, over-the-counter, minerals, herbal and natural medicines
  • what each medicine is for
  • how much of each medicine to use
  • when and how to use each medicine.

Keep it up to date and carry it with you when you see your health professionals. 

Order a printed NPS Medicinewise medicines list here – click through to Consumer products and then click on Tools.

 NPS MedicineWise medicines lists are available in English, in one of 10 community languages and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

 If you would like to fill the list in using your computer or mobile device, please DOWNLOAD, then open in Adobe Acrobat/Reader before entering information.