Page 6 • May 2022 • Golden Gazette
Key questions about managing multiple medications Managing a prescription regimen can feel daunting for older adults, especially if they are managing multiple conditions and see more than one doctor. A pharmacist should be a key player on an aging adult’s healthcare team. They are an excellent source of information for medication, both prescription and overthe-counter. To manage prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs safely and help alleviate stress and reduce potential hazards, older adults and their caregivers should ask the pharmacist these key questions. Another consideration to discuss with aging loved ones is the need or desire to have more help at home. Professional caregivers can help with medication management, meal prep and other household duties to make aging in place a safe and viable option. 1. What are the names & uses of my medications? Keep an up-to-date list of all the medications, dosages, and the reason for taking
them and carry the list with you. A “Caregiver’s Notebook” - a looseleaf binder maintained by a caregiver—is an ideal way to compile information on medical diagnoses, doctors’ appointments, questions, and medication history. Sharing your updated list every time you see your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider helps them give you the best care possible. Medication mismanagement is one of the more serious health threats facing older adults. 2. How long do I use the medication? Find out up-front if the medication is a short-term or long-term regimen that could require lifestyle changes. Be aware of expiration dates because certain medicines such as insulin or antibiotics are sensitive and could lose efficacy. 3. What are the side effects of the medicine? All medicines have the potential to cause side effects. Ask the pharmacist
what to expect and the most frequently reported effects particularly for older adults. If a medication causes drowsiness, it can make an older adult more prone to falls or less alert while driving. Certain medications can cloud memory. Some antidepressants can cause insomnia and diuretics can affect bathroom habits. 4. Is a dosing schedule important? Most medicines have a dosing schedule (i.e. once a day, three times a day, etc.). For the medicine to be most effective, it may be important to take it about the same time every day. It’s easy for anyone managing multiple medications to become confused. Mealtimes or bedtimes can be used as cues for scheduling medication if mealtimes and bedtimes are regularly scheduled. 5. What if I forget to take a dose? Whether it’s advised to make up a missed dose depends on the drug. Ask your pharmacist his
or her advice when you have the prescription dispensed. If you realize that you may have taken a dose incorrectly, notify your physician immediately. 6. Are there ways to make dosing easier? A variety of special pill boxes or other aids can serve as a reminder to take medications. The devices range from low-tech, such as simple containers with compartments labeled for meals and bedtime, to high-tech, such as containers that beep when it’s time for a dose, or a special bottle cap that counts openings of a prescription bottle to tell if the day’s doses have been taken. Pharmacies may also be able to offer prescription labels in large print for those with vision impairment or easy-open bottle tops for clients with arthritis or disabilities. Don’t feel guilty asking the pharmacist for alternatives. And, don’t forget alarm features on smart phones or virtual assistant devices.
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7. I am on other medicines. Are there any drug interactions I need to worry about? What about foods or supplements? Never begin taking a new medication without asking your pharmacist if it will interact with your other medicines, supplements, or even foods. Even natural, herbal products contain ingredients that can also cause significant interactions with prescription medication. And foods such as grapefruit and ones that contain Vitamin K, are known to interact with certain drugs. Grapefruit can slow the metabolism of some medicines, so it increases the drug levels in your body. Vitamin K, which is found in leafy green vegetables, helps the body with blood clotting but can interfere with blood-thinning medications. 8. How should I store my medication? Find out if the medicine requires refrigeration or storage away from heat and light. Even under-the-cabinet lighting is a source of heat, which can damage some medicines. Many medicines require a cool, dry area for storage. Always make sure medications are stored safely away from young children.
