News Release

December 9, 2004

Contact: Jane Shaskan, 860-679-4777
e-mail: shaskan@nso.uchc.edu

Medication Lineup

It’s What Should Be in Your Wallet

FARMINGTON, CONN. – We’re taking more prescription drugs than ever. About 44 percent of Americans take at least one prescription drug and one in six takes three or more, according to the most recent data from the U.S. government. Add to that over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements and herbals and the list can get pretty long.

To help keep track of your medication regime, the UConn Health Center is offering free pocket medication cards on-line or by mail. When you have the card, simply fill in your personal medication information and include details about each medication, such as its name, strength, dose, frequency and reason for taking it. Also include any vitamins, supplements, over-the-counter products, and natural or alternative medicine remedies you may be taking. Record allergies as well.

The tri-fold business-size card fits nicely into a wallet, where it’s readily available during routine and emergency medical care. Share it with your regular physician, specialists you may be seeing, and pharmacist, and always have it updated with each doctor or hospital visit.

When taking any medications, always be sure to read the information that comes with all prescription and nonprescription medicines, including cautionary information about drug and food interactions and possible side effects, said UConn Health Center primary care physician Karen Garibaldi, M.D. “With more people, taking more medications, it’s very important to keep track of all medications to avoid potentially dangerous outcomes from accidental double-dosing, skipping medication, or combining contraindicated drugs and medications,” said Dr. Garibaldi. “Patients should follow the dosage instructions given by their physicians, and contact them with questions or concerns about their medications or if their symptoms worsen.”

To learn more about medication safety and other helpful information about prescription and nonprescription drugs, and to download a medication card, visit http://health.uchc.edu/. To receive a free card by mail, call UConnLink, 1-800-535-6232.

The University of Connecticut Health Center includes the schools of medicine and dental medicine, John Dempsey Hospital, the UConn Medical Group and University Dentists. Founded in 1961, the Health Center pursues a mission of providing outstanding health care education in an environment of exemplary patient care, research and public service. To learn more about the UConn Health Center, visit our website at www.uchc.edu.

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