Your OTC medication tracker

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Be in charge of your own health care

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Relieving the symptoms of a cold or flu or aches and pains usually requires a trip to the pharmacy. These drugs, however, may impact how your doctor treats the same or another existing medical condition. Here’s how to be prepared with the information your doctor needs to provide the best treatment.

We all take over-the-counter (or OTC) medication at one time or another. Whether it be to beat a pounding headache, stuffy nose, sore back or a serious bout of insomnia, a quick trip to your local pharmacy often spells relief. But when things don’t seem to be getting better — or are getting worse — your next trip will likely be to your doctor’s office.

What you may not know is that taking OTC drugs may have an affect on what your doctor decides is the best course of action in order to get you healthy. If you have an existing medical condition, your doctor may also want to steer you away from some OTC medication.

The best way to keep your doctor in the loop is with an OTC medication tracker. It’s easy to complete and could provide the information your doctor needs.

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Your OTC Medication Tracker

For each OTC medication you’re taking, simply print out a tracker and complete the information. Take it with you to your next doctor’s visit.

Medication name:

For what are you taking it?

Recommended dosage:

Day started taking:

Last day taken:

Are you still taking it?

Time(s) taken:

Notes:



Sample entry:
Medication name: ABC syrup

For what are you taking it? Dry cough

Recommended dosage: 1-2 teaspoons every 2-3 hours (no more than five times a day)

Day started taking: Thursday, November 15

Last day taken:

Are you still taking it? Yes

Time(s) taken: Morning, noon and before bed

Notes: At first, burned my throat.

Helped during the day but didn’t provide enough

nighttime relief – kept waking up with cough.

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References
  • Home Safety Council: website
  • Prescription Medicine Checklist: website
  • When to take my medication checklist: website

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