Auhors : Joana Simões and Mafalda Cavalheiro (pharmacists) An organized and up-to-date list of medicines is a valuable contribution to protecting our health. It is very important information for healthcare professionals because it increases the quality, safety, and effectiveness of the healthcare provided. It is a great help in organizing ourselves, both when we need to know if we have the medications and for how long, and when planning a trip or even an unforeseen relocation. What information should the list of medicines include? For the list to be complete and useful for the healthcare professionals who care for us, it is recommended that it includes: Medicines name: preferably the brand name and/or the name of the active substance. Pharmaceutical form and respective dosage: for example, tablet 5 mg, injectable solution 1 mg/mL, drops, inhaler, among others. Time, quantity, and frequency: for example, 1 tablet at breakfast, every two days. Reason for medication , if known. The list should not only include medicines prescribed by a doctor. Other medicines or products taken should be mentioned, including: Dietary supplements; Vitamins and minerals; Natural or herbal products; Homeopathic medicines; Medications taken only when necessary; Teas when consumed regularly. Allergies or previous adverse reactions to medicines or other products are also very useful information that should be included in a medication list. Once prepared for the first time, the list should be kept up-to-date and always accessible, in paper or digital format (for example, on our cell phone). Safety comes first Having with us the list of medicines when going to the hospital – whether for a consultation, examination, surgery, or hospitalization – is essential. There are many cases where this is specifically requested , because it is already known beforehand that it will be necessary, there are others where it is not. When in doubt, it is always best to have this information. For healthcare professionals, having all the correct information about the medicines we are taking allows them to: Check for possible interactions between medicines , supplements, and other products. Avoid therapeutic duplication , preventing the ingestion of different drugs with the same effect. Reduce the risk of adverse reactions, overdose, and therapeutic failures. Avoid prescription errors , including medicines that may be contraindicated for someone. Adjust doses more safely , especially in situations of acute illness, kidney or liver impairment. Prevent complications before surgeries or exams , as some medications may require temporary suspension. More individualized and efficient care By sharing the list of medicines with the healthcare professionals: We contribute to a more complete, personalized, and rigorous clinical evaluation. The need for additional contacts to confirm information is reduced. There will be more time to clarify doubts and have answers to questions that are important to us. A list of medications is a simple but impactful contribution It protects our health, reduces risks, and helps us receive better care. Clear, complete, and up-to-date information prevents delays and contributes to safer clinical decisions. Sources Direção-Geral da Saúde. Reconciliação de medicação. Norma nº 018/2016, de 30/12/2016, atualizada a 01/03/2024. Joint Commission International. JCI Hospital Standards. Medication Management and Use (MMU). World Health Organization. Medication without harm: Policy brief. 2024. World Health Organization. Medication without harm: WHO Global Patient Safety Challenge. 2017. World Health Organization. 5 moments for medication safety. 2019 The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
