A person undergoing cancer treatment may have a variety of medications to take at home, both to treat the cancer and to reduce the side effects of treatment. To make sure you get the most benefit from these medications, it is important to take them as your doctor prescribed.

Common medication mistakes

Many people taking a prescription medication do not take it as the doctor directed. Some common reasons include the following:

• People may feel better and not finish all of the medication.
  
  
• It may be difficult to remember the prescribed schedule, particularly when taking multiple medications more than once a day, or if a medication needs to be taken on a different schedule, such as once a week.
  
  
• People may not notice an improvement in symptoms right away and may stop taking the medication because they think it is not working.
  
  
• Many people are not sure what to do if they miss or skip a dose of medication.
  
  
• Some medications are expensive, and people may skip doses or take reduced doses of their medications to avoid the full cost of the treatment.

Talking with your doctor about your medications

Communicating with your doctor is the first step in avoiding these common mistakes. Before treatment begins, create a complete list of all the medications you are taking. Include all prescribed medications, over-the-counter remedies, and dietary supplements, such as vitamin or herbal supplements. On this same list, be sure to note any allergies you may have to medication.

Share and discuss the list with your doctor before starting treatment. Keeping your doctor informed about all medications you are taking is key to ensuring that nothing is interfering with the effectiveness of your cancer medicine. Also, keep a copy of that list with you in an easily accessible location, such as in a wallet, for easy reference during your treatment period.

Once you and your doctor have decided on your treatment plan, be sure to review the following questions with your doctor about each cancer medication you've been prescribed:

• What is the goal of this medication?
  
  
• What amounts of medication will I need to take? In what dosage?
  
  
• How often will I need to take the medication?
  
  
• What length of time will I be on this medication?
  
  
• Why is it important for me to stay on schedule with taking my medication?
  
  
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
  
  
• What are the common side effects of this medication?
  
  
• What follow-up tests will I have to monitor the medication's effectiveness?
  
  
• Are there any foods, beverages, or other drugs that can affect the strength of this medication?
  
  
• What should I do if I experience an unexpected side effect to the medication?

Ask the doctor to write down the instructions so you can review them later, if necessary. Also, keep the phone number of your doctor in a handy place for other questions, and always talk with your doctor before changing your medication schedule.

Avoiding potential drug interactions

All medication comes with a written insert, called a medication profile, which describes the drug, its side effects, and potential drug interactions. Drug interactions can cause unexpected side effects or reduce or increase the strength of the medication that you are taking. Your medication may interact with other medications or with certain foods or beverages. For example, grapefruit juice is known to interfere with several medications. Review this information with your doctor before you start any new medication to avoid unintended effects. In addition, keep the medication profile that you receive when you fill your prescription in a safe place so you that can refer to it in the future.

Filling your prescription at the pharmacy

It can be helpful to fill all of your prescriptions at the same pharmacy where your pharmacist can maintain an accurate record of all the medications you are taking and alert you to any possible drug interactions. If you have to fill your prescription at another pharmacy or if you use a mail-order prescription service, notify your usual pharmacist so that it can be added to your medication record. Also be sure to tell your pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications.

Your pharmacist may also be able to assist by providing easy-to-read, color-coded labels that simplify the process of taking your medications. In addition, ask if the pharmacy can send email or phone messages that can help remind you to refill medications. Some pharmacies offer automatic refills for some medications so you don’t run out of it.

Staying on your medication schedule

Your doctor has prescribed a particular medicine because he or she feels that it will treat your condition in a specific way, and it is important that you follow your medication course as prescribed. Talk with your doctor about any concerns you may have before and during your treatment period.

Here are some tips to help you stay on track:

• Read the entire label of the medication container to make sure you are taking the correct dose.
  
  
• Take your pills the same time every day, such as first thing in the morning or with lunch.
  
  
• Use a weekly pill organizer case so that you can know whether you've taken each day's medication. However, always keep the original medication container for reference.
  
  
• Develop a chart or pill calendar to keep track of when you take your medication.
  
  
• Keep at least one daily reminder somewhere in your house—such as on a bulletin board or in a day-planner—to help you remember to take your medicine.
  
  
• Use technology to help you remember. For example, set up an automated reminder on your computer or phone’s calendar software.
  
  
• Seek the help of family members or friends to help remind you if you think that you won't remember.

If you're having trouble paying for your medication, there are resources to help. Learn more about national resources for financial support. In addition, your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care team members may be able to refer you to local resources.

More Information

Drug Information Resources

Managing Side Effects

About Dietary and Herbal Supplements

Additional resources

National Cancer Institute: Cancer Drug Information Summaries

U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Are You Taking Medication as Prescribed?

Last Updated: June 25, 2010