Article summary
- Know your medicine
- Take your medicine the right way
- Medicine safety
- How to use a medication checklist
Molina is here to help
We want you to be healthy and safe when taking your medicines. Knowing how to manage them helps you avoid side effects and unplanned visits to your provider or emergency room. Here are a few tips to keep you on track.
Tip #1: Know about your medicine
- Know the name of each medicine
- Know what it is for
- Know possible side effects
- Make a list of all the medicines you take
- Bring your list and medicine bottles to every doctor visit
Tip #2: Take your medicine
For your medicine to work, you must take it the way your doctor tells you.
Here are ways to help you remember:
- Take it at the same time every day
- Take it during another daily task, like brushing your teeth
- Use a pill box
- Ask a friend or family member to remind you
- Put a note in a place you look at often
Always take your medicine the way your doctor told you.
Taking too much or skipping doses can be unsafe.
Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor says it is okay.
Tip #3: Medicine safety
- Use the same pharmacy for all your medicines
- Do not share your medicines
- Do not use expired medicine
- Tell your doctor if you have allergies
- Keep medicines away from children and pets
- Store medicines in a cool, dry place
Keep a list of your medicines in your wallet or on your phone.
This makes it easy to share with your doctor.
Medicine List Wallet Card
How to use a medication checklist
A checklist can help you remember your medicines each day.
- Write the date at the top
- Check off each medicine after you take it
- If you take it late, write down the time
This helps your doctor see how your medicines are working.
What your list should include
The list should include the following:
- Name: The name of the medicine
- Amount: How much you take
- When: When you take it
- Purpose: Why you take it
Also include:
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Vitamins
- Herbal supplements
- Any self-testing you do (like blood sugar checks)
Write down any side effects and share them with your doctor.
Bring your list and medicine bottles to your next visit.
Example checklist (simplified):
- Metformin – 500 mg, twice daily (morning and evening)
- Simvastatin – 40 mg, once daily at bedtime
Molina is here to help
Keeping track of your medicines can feel like a lot.
Molina is here to support you.
If you need help, you can call the Nurse Advice Line at the number on the back of your member ID card.