Blum Center Program: Managing Your Medicines with Confidence

Why It Matters

Accurate, accessible medication records and routine reconciliation reduce risks of harmful drug interactions, missed doses or unnecessary refills, improving patient safety and continuity of care across settings. These practices can prevent ER visits and support better outcomes, especially for patients with multiple prescriptions.

Summary

Mass General’s Blum Center presented a practical primer on managing medications, urging patients to keep an up-to-date, written or electronic list of prescriptions, over‑the‑counter drugs and supplements and to share it with family and clinicians. Speakers recommended regularly reviewing the medication list in the patient portal, verifying active versus discontinued drugs, and clarifying refill versus renewal needs with prescribers. The program covered safety practices including proper storage, travel planning, checking for drug interactions, and watching an FDA video on safe disposal. Attendees were encouraged to bring medication lists to appointments and ensure caregivers have access to current information.

Original Description

There are many types of medicines. Do you know what you are taking right now? It is important to keep an up-to-date list of your medicines, understand why you are taking them, and know the potential side effects. In this program from May 13, 2026, Cara McNally, BSN, RN, MEd, shares how you can stay on top of your current medicines, and how a family member can be a partner in helping you manage them.

This session is part of the Blum Center Wednesday Afternoon Learning Series.