HEALTH ALLIANCE 316 FIFTH ST WENATCHEE, WA 98801
Health and wellness or prevention information
The Health Alliance Star Volume 8
·
WASHINGTON
Summer 2017
Keep Med Safety Top of Mind As you age, certain drugs may affect you more than they did in the past, and you might also start having more health problems that require medication. It’s important to know how to use your medication safely and to talk to your doctor if issues come up.
Remember
If you have questions about your prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs, always talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Don’t Stop Your Meds on Your Own
Always use your medication as your doctor prescribes. If you start having side effects or think your medication isn’t working, let your doctor know immediately. He or she may be able to prescribe a different drug. Do not stop taking a prescription drug earlier than planned without checking with your doctor first, even if you think you no longer need it. If you aren’t having symptoms from your condition, it probably means your medication is working.
Talk to Your Doctor
Talking to your doctor about your meds during your wellness visit each year helps you stay on the same page. And it gives you a chance to make sure your prescriptions are up to date and working for you. Your doctor should make a list for you of each drug you take that includes the name, dosage, frequency and how to use it. If your meds aren’t working well for you or are causing unwanted side effects, don’t wait for your next wellness visit. Call your doctor and ask about other options.
Blurry Vision, Confusion and Fall Risk
Some meds can lead to confusion, blurry vision, falling or other side effects. Antihistamines, which you can buy over the counter and are often included in cold medicine and sleep medicine, can cause confusion, vision problems, constipation, dry mouth and urination problems. Examples: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Tylenol PM), chlorpheniramine (AllerChlor, Chlor-Trimeton)
Refill Reminders
Some anxiety and sleep medication can lead to confusion and falling. These drugs can stay in your system and affect you the next day. Examples: Diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), zaleplon (Sonata), zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta)
Painkiller Reminders
Muscle relaxants can also cause confusion and raise your fall risk. They can make you groggy and may also cause dry mouth, constipation and urination problems. Examples: Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), methocarbamol (Robaxin), carisoprodol (Soma)
If you’re taking meds for an ongoing issue, you can set up automatic refills or refill reminders, and the pharmacy will let you know when your prescription is ready. Talk to your pharmacist to see how it works.
Do not take more than these amounts in 24 hours. Acetaminophen: 4,000 mg Ibuprofen: 3,200 mg Naproxen sodium: 660 mg Aspirin: 4,000 mg
Over-the-Counter Examples (not a complete list) Acetaminophen
NSAIDs
• Alka-Seltzer Plus
• NyQuil/Dayquil
• Advil (ibuprofen)
• Excedrin
• Robitussin
• Aleve (naproxen sodium) • Excedrin (aspirin)
• Mucinex
• Tylenol
• Alka-Seltzer Plus (aspirin) • Motrin (ibuprofen)
• Bayer (aspirin)
Info from Get Relief Responsibly. Learn more at GetReliefResponsibly.com.
Certain drugs (labeled anticholinergic) for treating depression, Parkinson’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome can lead to confusion and blurry vision along with constipation, dry mouth and urination problems. Examples: Amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), trihexyphenidyl (Artane), dicyclomine (Bentyl) If you’re taking a drug that falls into one of these categories, ask your doctor if there is a safer alternative.
Volume 8
·
summer 2017
Know What’s in Your Painkillers Some prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications contain painkillers, like acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and you may not always realize it. In most cases, if taken as directed, acetaminophen and NSAIDs are not dangerous and can be helpful when it comes to easing pain. But you should take only one med that contains acetaminophen at a time, and the same goes for NSAIDs. Taking too much acetaminophen can be bad for your liver, and taking too many NSAIDs can lead to stomach bleeding. Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, is found in many OTC and prescription drugs, including NyQuil/DayQuil, Excedrin, Alka-Seltzer Plus, Vicodin, Percocet and many more. NSAIDs, which include ibuprofen (like Motrin or Advil), naproxen sodium (like Aleve) and aspirin (like Bayer), come in many OTC and prescription meds, like the previous examples, Excedrin, Alka-Seltzer Plus, Vicoprofen, Celebrex and more. Always read the label before taking any medication. Some conditions and lifestyle habits, like drinking three or more alcoholic beverages per day, can make these painkillers dangerous. Talk to your doctor to see which drugs would work best for you.
Guidelines for Treating Lower Back Pain
Antidepressants and More Some people stop taking their antidepressants when they aren’t having symptoms. Don’t stop taking them or any other prescription drug without checking with your doctor (unless he or she has already told you to stop or you’ve finished your prescribed dosage). Being symptom-free may simply mean your med is working.
Lower back pain from a strained muscle is a common injury. In many cases, it can be treated with a combination of: • Physical therapy • Ice application • Medication X-rays, CT scans and MRI scans are not usually recommended in the first six weeks of treatment. Try physical therapy first, keeping in mind it might take a few sessions to see improvement. Narcotics are not recommended to treat lower back pain for more than three weeks and should be avoided if possible. If your doctor prescribes a narcotic, ask if there are any alternatives. Lower back strains are usually not emergencies. In most cases, you can visit your primary doctor first. If you have cancer (especially lung, prostate or breast cancer) when your back pain begins or have experienced significant trauma recently, make sure to see your doctor right away. If you have any of these symptoms after your lower back pain begins, go to an urgent care center or ER. • Fever • Unexpected weight loss • Trouble moving your leg or poor circulation in leg • Loss of bladder or bowel control Health Alliance Northwest is a Medicare Advantage Organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Health Alliance Medicare depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits and copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. ATTENTION: If you speak Spanish, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-750-3550 (TTY: 711). ATENCIÓN : Si habla Español, servicios de asistencia lingüística, de forma gratuita, están disponibles para usted. Llame 1-877-750-3550 (TTY: 711).
Mark Your Calendar 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays Toll-free 1-877-750-3350, TTY 711 HealthAllianceMedicare.org
Join us for a health and wellness education event on October 18 at the Miller Street Conference Center in Wenatchee. More details will be available closer to the event date. Visit HealthAlliance.org/Find-an-Event to find other events in your area.
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