Patient Safety

Patient safety is our top priority.

All new medicines go through multiple and exhaustive levels of review, thorough clinical testing, and ongoing monitoring after they reach the market. Canada has a strong and robust regulatory protocol to ensure Canadians have safe and effective medicines. Of course, it’s necessary to take them as prescribed by healthcare professionals.

We work with all our partners in healthcare to provide Canadians with the information they need to safely and effectively take their prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

It’s important to keep track of your health. From maintaining a balanced diet to exercising regularly, these are components to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Below, we have compiled useful resources and information to help you stay well.

Create your own medication record

Create your own personalized medication book to record your medications, allergies and other health information. Keep it up-to-date (your pharmacist, doctor, nurse or other healthcare team member can help you with this). Bring it with you to all of your medical appointments or when you go to the hospital.

Why should you record your medicines

  • Keeping an up-to-date record of your medicines helps you, your loved ones and your healthcare team members have complete information about your medicines
  • It is very important to record exactly how you take your medicines (including whether or not you are taking them as directed)
  • Knowing how you take your medicines helps everyone involved to make correct decisions about your care
  • Having a medication record can also be helpful at times when you might not be able to remember your medications, for example in an emergency
  • Medication records can help you to remember to take your medicines safely each day at the scheduled times
  • Taking medication as directed by your healthcare professional will help ensure you receive the benefits of the medication and minimize the chances of side effects or adverse reactions. Communicating how you feel when taking your medication when directed is important to your health, so talk to your physician, pharmacist and other healthcare professionals. Information regarding how to report adverse reactions which may be done by your health care professional or by you can be found on Health Canada’s website.

Download the print-at-home version of the medication record.

Download the printer version of the paper booklet for professional print runs.

Or download the free app below.

As more and more Canadians are choosing electronic methods to manage information, KiBM has ended distribution of the printed medication record book, as of June 1, 2015. For more information please visit the Knowledge is the best medicine website.

MyMedRec

MyMedRec is a portable health record that can be easily shared with your physician, pharmacist, family or anyone else involved in your healthcare regimen. It maintains a record of your medications, reminds you when to refill prescriptions, and emails your entire healthcare team when there’s a change in your healthcare plan. With MyMedRec, all of your important health information is saved in one easily accessible place.

MyMedRec is available on the AppStore, Google Play and BlackBerry World.

MyMedRec

Make the most of your healthcare team

Through thick and thin, your healthcare team is here to help you. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your team:

  1. Write down a list of questions you want to ask before meeting with a healthcare professional.
  2. Ensure your physician is aware of your allergies.
  3. Be honest, even if you are uncomfortable talking about your symptoms or concerns.
  4. If you’re confused by an answer or directions given by a healthcare professional, ask again until you feel you completely understand.
  5. Always bring a current, updated list of your medications to all of your appointments. Your list should include every medicine you take, regardless of frequency, including prescription medicines, over the counter medicines, vitamins, natural healthcare products and even recreational drugs, such as marijuana or cocaine.

Knowing this information will help you and your healthcare team make the best decisions for your health and wellness.

For more tips, visit the Institute for Safe Medication Practices.

Stay healthy!

Eating well, living a healthy lifestyle, learning how to cope with stress and promoting mental health are great places to start. The following organizations are also good sources of information for healthy living: