When you take just one or two medications each day, and they both look completely different, you shouldn't have much of a problem keeping track of them. However, if you're taking multiple pills each day, and they all look just about the same, you could run into some trouble. This is particularly true when you add rotating schedules into the mix. 

Unfortunately, prescription medication errors are nothing to laugh at. In fact, mistakes in the way you take your medication could lead to life-threatening complications. Here are four steps you can take that will help you avoid life-threatening errors with your medication.

Color Code Your Medicine Bottles

If you have a hard time remembering which pills to take, it's time to give yourself a color chart. Color coding your medicine bottles will help you keep track of your medication schedule. Place color dots on each medicine bottle and then make a medication chart, using the same color identifiers, to hang next to your medicine cabinet. Your chart will identify by color which pills you should take at specific times throughout the day. Not only will this help you, but it will also help your adult kids understand your medication routine.

Sort Your Pills by the Day

When you take a large number of medications, it can help to sort them by the day. One way to do that is with a daily or weekly pill container. Place the pills that you need to take throughout the day into the matching time slots. That way, you'll know exactly what pills to take throughout the day. You can also use small trays to sort your medication. Place all your bottles in the front tray, and move them to the next row back as you take your pills during the day. By the evening, all your pills will be placed on the back tray, which will allow you to move them forward for the morning.

Get Your Family Involved

If you live with family members, it's a good idea to get them involved in your medication routine. Ensuring that your family members know what pills you're taking, when you're supposed to take them, and what each pill looks like, will help you avoid life-threatening mistakes.

Request In-Home Health Services

If you live alone, and you're concerned about mistakes with your medication, it's time to request in-home health services. An in-home health care provider will come into your home each day and help you with your medication. That way, you know that you're getting the medication you need, at the times you're supposed to take them.

For more information, check out a website like http://www.bfpclinic.com.