The older we get the more medicine we often take. If you're having trouble keeping track, the Agency for Healthcare, Research and Quality has some simple tips that can help:

1. Keep your healthcare team in the loop. This includes your doctor, nurse and pharmacist. If you have questions about your medicines, ask them. Be sure to tell them about any illnesses and allergies you may have.

2. Stay on track. Make sure you know when you should be taking your medicines and whether it's okay to take vitamins or supplements along with your prescriptions.

3. Keep a list. Once you get the "all-clear" it's often helpful to keep a complete written list of all medicines you take for a ready reference. Include everything: prescriptions, vitamins, herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications.

4. Get all your medicines at the same pharmacy. Most pharmacies now have computerized systems designed to alert you if there's a possibility of drug interaction.