October is Talk About Prescriptions Month, dedicated to improving health professional and patient communication about medication use. This year's theme is preventing medical errors. Lisa Mascardo, PharmD, assistant director of Ambulatory Pharmaceutical Care at UI Hospitals and Clinics, says it is important to include all over-the-counter medications, including vitamins/minerals, medication taken for occasional pain, herbal supplements, laxatives, antacids, etc. when people list their medications, because they may have an effect on how your prescription medications work.

"It is important for a person to choose one pharmacy or pharmacist to fill all their prescriptions. Patients should get all of their prescription medications from one pharmacy so the pharmacy has a complete and accurate list of your medications. This is necessary to be able to check for potential interactions and be able to evaluate what might be responsible if you report any adverse reactions.

"Consumers can decrease the chance of medication errors both at home and in the hospital by carrying a complete, up-to-date list of all of the medications they are taking. The list should also include any allergies you have, and the specific reactions involved," she says.

Both at the pharmacy and in the hospital, patients need to take an active role in their care. "Make sure your pharmacist or nurse shows you what medications you will be given, and be sure to speak up if they look different than what you are used to or expecting. Do not hesitate to ask questions.

"Both your physician and pharmacist are good sources of information about medications. Pharmacists are accessible, knowledgeable, and committed to making sure their patients understand how to take and get the best use from their medications."

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