Roberta Carson, creator of ZaggoCare Systems, and Christy S Harris, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discuss tips for cancer patients to manage the multiple medications they may be taking.

1. MEDICATION
MANAGEMENT
TIPS AND
TOOLS
Roberta Carson, Creator of ZaggoCare ®
System
Christy S. Harris, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP

2. MEET ROBERTA AND CHRISTY
Roberta Carson, creator of Christy S. Harris, PharmD,
ZaggoCare® Systems Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
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3. WHY WATCH THIS PRESENTATION?
 Over 50% of Americans do not take medications as
prescribed
 Medication non-adherence can lead to adverse
health-related events or even death
 Up to 50% of patients misunderstand dosage
instructions on prescription labels
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4. KEEPING ORGANIZED USING A MEDICAL
NOTEBOOK
 Notes during appointments
 Symptom tracking
 Medications prescribed
 Test results
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5. WHY, WHAT, WHEN AND HOW
 Questions I need to know about every medication I
am taking:
 Why am I taking this medication?
 What is the medication’s name and dose?
 When do I start and stop the medication?
 How do I know if the medication is working?
 What side effects I might have?
 What steps should be taken if I have a side effect?
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6. SPECIFIC MEDICATION INFORMATION
 Exactly what times to take the medication
 How the medication should be taken
 Any foods or beverages to avoid
 Any concerns over:
 Alcohol
 Sun exposure
 Driving
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7. SPECIFIC MEDICATION INFORMATION
 What to do if the medication is vomited
 What to do if a dose is missed
 Any special storage or disposal requirements
 If the patient has difficulty swallowing:
 Liquid form available?
 Can pills be crushed?
 Can capsules be opened?
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8. SPECIFIC MEDICATION INFORMATION
 Any potential adverse reactions with other
medications being taken including
 Over-the-counter
 Herbal supplements
 Vitamins
 Nutritional supplements
 For complicated medication regimens:
 Can the schedule be arranged to minimize the number
of times each day I need to take medications?
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9. TIPS FOR FILLING PRESCRIPTIONS
 Write down the name and dose at the doctor’s
office and double check before paying
 Try to fill all prescriptions at one pharmacy
 Ask the pharmacist about possible drug
interactions including those with non-prescription
medications/supplements
 Do not wait until the last minute to fill
prescriptions
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10. IF THE PATIENT IS IN THE HOSPITAL
 Check with the attending nurse before all
medications are given to make sure they are
correct
 If the patient takes medications that are not
available at the hospital (clinical trial drugs,
special compounds, rare medications, etc.), bring
the medications with you and give them to the
nursing staff to store and dispense
 Make sure you take your medications back home with
you when you are discharged
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11. STORAGE AND DISPOSAL
 Do not store medications where they will be
exposed to heat and humidity
 Properly dispose of unwanted or expired
medications:
 Do not flush down the toilet
 Do not throw away in the trash if children or pets
could get to it
 Cities and towns often run an annual “take-back” day
 Go to www.disposemymeds.org for information
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12. ORGANIZING THE MEDICATIONS
 Use a weekly pill container with compartments for
each day
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14. MEDICATION REMINDERS
 Set up a system to ensure medications are taken
at the correct time
 Leave the medication where you will see it and take it
 Set alarms on cell phones and digital watches
 Buy a pill container with a built-in alarm
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15. Thank You!
For more information, go to www.zaggocare.org or
www.dana-farber.org
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