“Write down the name and important facts about each medicine, vitamin, and herb you take. Note any side effects or problems you have taking your medicines”.1
Umbrella
What may the Medicines Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
- Drugs
- Medications
- Medicines
- Nonprescription Drugs/Medicines
- OTC Drugs/Medicines
- Over-the-Counter Drugs/Medicines (OTC)
- Pills
- Prescription Drugs/Medicines
- Vaccines
Prescription Medicines
What are prescription medicines?
DotS the definition of prescription medicines may vary. In Taking Medicines Safely As You Age: What Are Medicines? What Are Drugs? the (United States) National Institute on Aging’s (NIA) definition is:
Nonprescription Medicines
What are nonprescription medicines?
DotS the definition of nonprescription medicines may vary. In Understanding Over-the-Counter Medicines the (United States) Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) definition is:
The NIA’s definition is:
Side Effects
What are side effects?
DotS the definition of side effects may vary. The NIA’s definition is:
What are some side effects?
The NIA explain:
In Finding and Learning About Side Effects (Adverse Reactions): From Minor To Life Threatening – Reducing Your Risk the FDA elaborate on:
- Ask your health care professional about any possible side effects and what, if any steps should be taken to reduce the risk when you are prescribed a drug. For example, your health care professional may recommend taking the drug with food to lower the chance of getting nausea or to not take the drug with other drugs
- Ask your health care professional for information about the drug when you receive your prescription…
- Read the pharmacy label and any stickers that may be attached to the prescription bottle or box…
Prescription drug information on side effects is available on FDA’s Drugs@FDA database and FDA’s FDALabel database”.7
Drug Interactions
May drugs have interactions?
Yes. In Understanding Drug Interactions the (Australian) NPS MedicineWise [National Prescribing Service] explain:
Dietary Supplements
May some dietary supplements be harmful?
In Using Dietary Supplements Wisely: What the Science Says About the Effectiveness of Dietary Supplements the (United States) National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) elaborate on:
- “Some dietary supplements can be good for your health, while others haven’t been proven to work”.9
Alcohol
Can alcohol have harmful interactions with some medicines?
Yes. The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) note:
- “Alcohol has harmful interactions with many medications, even ones you may not think about, such as medicines for arthritis, indigestion or heartburn, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and more”.10
Internet
Can medicines be purchased via the Internet?
In Quick Tips for Buying Medicines Over the Internet the FDA’s tips are:

- “Make sure the site requires a prescription and has a pharmacist available for questions
- Buy only from licensed pharmacies located in the United States. BeSafeRx: Know Your Online Pharmacy has more information about finding safe and legal online pharmacies
- Don’t provide personal information such as credit card numbers unless you are sure the site will protect them”.11
My Medicines
Is there a record keeper in which to record medicines taken?
In Medication Safety for Women: 2. Keep A Medicine List the FDA include a My Medicines record keeper in which you can:
In Medication Safety for Women: 2. Keep A Medicine List the FDA explain:
Use the My Medicines brochure to help you keep track of the medicines you take. This brochure is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Polish, and 10 Asian/Pacific Islander languages.
In Safe Use of Medicines for Older Adults: Keeping Track of Your Medicines the NIA also provide “…some tips to help you keep track of all your medicines”.
Common Medicine Mistakes
What are some common medicine mistakes?
In Use Medicines Wisely the FDA include a guide “to learn four (4) ways to avoid common medicine mistakes”.
Safety
What are some tips on how to take medicines safely?
In Safe Use of Medicines for Older Adults: Taking Medicines Safely the NIA provide “…some tips to help you take your medicines safely”.
Health Care Provider
What if I would like help with my medicines?
If you would like help with your medicines, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.
In Are You Considering A Complementary Health Approach? Take Charge of Your Health the NCCIH note:
- “Tell all your health care providers about any complementary or integrative health approaches you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care”.14
The NIA explain:
The NAMS note:
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Medicines?
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
Links
Where may I find Links related to Medicines?
Your Country may have Links similar to:
Links
This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.New or Updated
- Finding the Balance: Opioids and Pain Control After Surgery [11 September 2023]
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Acetaminophen Aids With Fever, Pain [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
- The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
- Vaccine Information for Adults: What Vaccines Are Recommended for You
- Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
- Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
- 5 Things To Know About Naloxone
- 9 Common Questions About Vaccines and Travel
- Acetaminophen vs. Ibuprofen: Which Works Better?
- BeSafeRx: Your Source for Online Pharmacy Information
- Before Grabbing A Grapefruit, Understand Its Powers
- CBD: What You Need To Know
- Consumer Health: Addiction and Recovery
- Consumer Health: It’s Bad To Mix Antidepressants and Alcohol
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Drugs
- Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Science Conversation: Science In 5: Episode #86 – Microbes Are Becoming Resistant To Antibiotics
- Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Science Conversation: Science In 5: Episode #99 – Three Things To Keep In Mind When Taking Antibiotics
- Dangers of Buying Medicines Online
- Dietary Supplements
- Don’t Be Tempted To Use Expired Medicines
- Drug Reactions
- Drug Safety
- Drugs
- Drugs and Supplements: Find A Drug By Its First Letter
- Drugs and Supplements: Herbs, Supplements and Vitamins
- Drugs, Herbs and Supplements
- Drugs@FDA: FDA Approved Drug Products
- Find Information About A Drug [+ Video: Definition of A Drug]
- Finding and Learning About Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
- Food and Drug Administration [FDA, United States]
- Generic Drugs: Questions and Answers
- Home Remedies: Self-Care Approaches To Treating Pain
- Homeopathic Products
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- How To Buy Medicines Safely From An Online Pharmacy
- Index To Drug-Specific Information [United States]
- Infectious Diseases A-Z: Resist Taking Unnecessary Antibiotics [+ Video]
- Infectious Diseases A–Z: Why You Should Never Take Leftover Antibiotics [+ Video]
- Information for Consumers and Patients | Drugs
- Information for Consumers on Using Dietary Supplements
- Is It Really ‘FDA Approved?’
- Is It Safe To Take Ibuprofen Every Day?
- Keeping A Medicines List
- Keeping Your Medicines Organized
- Managing Your Medicines
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Acetaminophen Aids With Fever, Pain [+ Video]
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Heat and How It Affects Medication [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Drug Interactions With Foods and Drinks
- Medication Errors: Cut Your Risk With These Tips
- Medication Guides
- Medication Health Fraud
- Medication Safety for Women
- Medication and Treatment Adherence: The Hows and Whys of Osteoporosis Medications
- Medications and Supplements That Can Raise Your Blood Pressure
- Medicine Finder [Australia]
- Medicines
- Medicines
- Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency [United Kingdom]
- Medicines – Multiply Languages
- Medicines.org.uk: eMC [United Kingdom]
- Medicines: Common Questions Answered
- Menopause Hormone Therapy: Who Shouldn’t Take It?
- Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Menopause Medication Tracker
- Menopause: Medicines To Help You
- Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
- Mis Medicinas: Spanish
- My Medicines
- NPS MedicineWise
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Placebo Effect [+ Video]
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets
- Opioid Medications
- Opioid Misuse and Addiction
- Over-the-Counter Medicines
- Over-the-Counter Weight Loss Pills
- Prescription Drugs and Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs: Questions and Answers
- Projectcbd.org [Project CBD]
- Problems Swallowing Pills
- Publications In Other Languages: My Medicines
- Quick Tips for Buying Medicines Over the Internet
- Some Medicines and Driving Don’t Mix
- Taking Multiply Medications Safely
- The ABCs of CBD: Separating Fact From Fiction
- The Popularity of Microdosing of Psychedelics: What Does the Science Say?
- The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
- Therapeutic Goods Administration [Australia]
- There Are Vaccines You Need As An Adult
- Traveling Aboard With Medicine
- Understanding Drug Interactions
- Understanding Over-the-Counter Medicines
- Updating Your Medicine Cabinet During COVID-19 [+ Video]
- Use Medicines Safely
- Use Medicines Wisely [+ Video]
- Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
- Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
- Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
- What Is Naloxone and Should Everyone Have Access To It? [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network. Name Super/CG: Holly Geyer, M.D./Addiction Medicine/Mayo Clinic]
- What To Ask Your Doctor Before Taking Opioids
- What We Know About Marijuana
- What You Need To Know (And What We’re Working To Find Out) About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-Derived Compounds, Including CBD
- What You Should Know About Flu Antiviral Drugs
- When You Feel Like Changing Your Medicine
- Where and How To Dispose of Unused Medicines
- Why Aspirin Guidelines Are Changing When It Comes To Preventing Heart Disease [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
- Working Together With Your Doctor To Manage Your Pain
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- Medication Safety for Women: 2. Keep A Medicine List. Content Current As of: 18 September 2018. Food and Drug Administration https://www.fda.gov/consumers/womens-health-topics/medication-safety-women Accessed: 30 October 2023
- Taking Medicines Safely As You Age: What Are Medicines? Content Reviewed: 22 September 2022. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/taking-medicines-safely-you-age Accessed: 30 October 2023
- Understanding Over-the-Counter Medicines. Content Current As of: 16 May 2018. Food and Drug Administration https://www.fda.gov/drugs/buying-using-medicine-safely/understanding-over-counter-medicines Accessed: 30 October 2023
- Taking Medicines Safely As You Age: What Are Medicines? Content Reviewed: 22 September 2022. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/taking-medicines-safely-you-age Accessed: 30 October 2023
- Taking Medicines Safely As You Age: Side Effects. Content Reviewed: 22 September 2022. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/taking-medicines-safely-you-age Accessed: 30 October 2023
- Taking Medicines Safely As You Age: Side Effects. Content Reviewed: 22 September 2022. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/taking-medicines-safely-you-age Accessed: 30 October 2023
- Finding and Learning About Side Effects (Adverse Reactions): From Minor To Life Threatening – Reducing Your Risk. Content Current As of: 08 August 2022. Food and Drug Administration https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-information-consumers/finding-and-learning-about-side-effects-adverse-reactions Accessed: 30 October 2023
- Drug Interactions. Date Reviewed: 25 October 2022. NPS MedicineWise https://www.nps.org.au/consumers/understanding-drug-interactions Accessed: 30 October 2023
- Using Dietary Supplements Wisely: What the Science Says About the Effectiveness of Dietary Supplements. Last Updated: January 2019. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/using-dietary-supplements-wisely Accessed: 30 October 2023
- Drink To Your Health At Menopause, or Not? How Much Is Bad? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/exercise-and-diet/drink-to-your-health-at-menopause-or-not Accessed: 30 October 2023
- Quick Tips for Buying Medicines Over the Internet. Content Current As of: 25 February 2020. Food and Drug Administration https://www.fda.gov/drugs/buying-using-medicine-safely/quick-tips-buying-medicines-over-internet Accessed: 30 October 2023
- Medication Safety for Women: 2. Keep A Medicine List. Content Current As of: 18 September 2018. Food and Drug Administration https://www.fda.gov/consumers/womens-health-topics/medication-safety-women Accessed: 30 October 2023
- Medication Safety for Women: 2. Keep A Medicine List – My Medicines Record Keeper. Content Current As of: 18 September 2018. Food and Drug Administration https://www.fda.gov/consumers/womens-health-topics/medication-safety-women Accessed: 30 October 2023
- Are You Considering A Complementary Health Approach? Take Charge of Your Health. Last Updated: September 2016. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health https://nccih.nih.gov/health/decisions/consideringcam.htm Accessed: 30 October 2023
- Taking Medicines Safely As You Age: What Are Medicines? Content Reviewed: 22 September 2022. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/taking-medicines-safely-you-age Accessed: 30 October 2023
- Natural Remedies for Hot Flashes: Do Mother Nature’s Treatments Help Hot Flashes? Black Cohosh. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/natural-remedies-for-hot-flashes Accessed: 30 October 2023