Medication statements are records of medications you're taking, have taken, or plan to take. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies.

These records help your healthcare team avoid dangerous drug interactions, understand your treatment history, and make informed decisions about new medications.

Note: Only your healthcare providers can add or update medication statements to ensure medical accuracy.

 

What's in Your Medication Records

Basic information:

  • Medication name - Specific drug, vitamin, or supplement
  • Status - Active, completed, stopped, on hold
  • Category - Inpatient, outpatient, over-the-counter
  • When documented - Date this information was recorded
  • When taken - Date or period you were taking it

Clinical details:

  • Why taking it - Condition or symptom being treated
  • Why status changed - Reason for stopping or changing
  • How to take it - Dose, frequency, route, timing
  • Special instructions - With food, before bed, etc.

Types of medications included:

  • Prescription medications - From doctors and specialists
  • Over-the-counter drugs - Pain relievers, allergy medications
  • Vitamins and supplements - Daily vitamins, herbal supplements
  • Topical medications - Creams, ointments, patches

 

Understanding Medication Status

Status types:

  • Active - Currently taking this medication
  • Completed - Finished taking as planned
  • Stopped - Discontinued before completing
  • On hold - Temporarily paused
  • Intended - Plan to start taking
  • Not taken - Prescribed but never started

Common reasons for status changes:

  • Side effects - Medication caused unwanted effects
  • Not effective - Medication didn't work as expected
  • Allergic reaction - Had an allergic response
  • Drug interaction - Conflicted with another medication
  • Cost concerns - Too expensive to continue
  • Treatment completed - Finished the prescribed course

 

How to Use Your Medication Information

Review regularly:

  • Check that all current medications are listed accurately
  • Verify stopped medications show the correct status
  • Note any medications you're taking that aren't listed
  • Review dosage information for accuracy

Prepare for healthcare visits:

  • Bring your current medication list to all appointments
  • Update providers about any changes or problems
  • Ask questions about new medications or changes
  • Discuss how well your medications are working

Questions to ask your healthcare team:

  • "Is my medication list complete and accurate?"
  • "Are there any medications I should stop taking?"
  • "How are my medications working together?"
  • "Are there any potential interactions?"
  • "What side effects should I watch for?"
  • "Are there less expensive alternatives?"

Remember: Keeping your medication list accurate and up-to-date helps ensure you receive the safest and most effective care.