Managing Your Medications

Managing your medications can be tricky. This is especially true if you take several kinds, or have several health conditions, or take prescription opioids. PrimeWest Health offers Medication Therapy Management programs and uses Utilization Management programs to help members manage their medications safely.

You can also use this  Brown Bag It checklist and medication record. You can bring this with you to your health care appointments to make sure your provider knows what you are taking.

Your pharmacist is another good resource for help with your medications. If you have questions about your medications, this is a great person to ask!

Opioid Risks

Prescription opioids can help with pain when used as directed. But there are also risks if they are misused, including addiction and overdose. You can learn more about the risks on the Cleveland Clinic’s “Opioid” web page. It has information you should know if you are prescribed opioids, such as how they interact with other medications you may take.

How to Get Rid of Unused Medications

Keeping expired or unused medications in your home is dangerous. Risks include accidental poisoning of children or pets, misuse, and taking the wrong medication by mistake.

Many communities have drug take-back programs. To find one near you, use the collection site locator on the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day web page. You can also ask your pharmacy if they have a drug mail-back program. If you can’t use a take-back program, follow these disposal steps from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

PW_07-17_221
DHS_Approved_01/09/2025
Updated_01/10/2025