It is not uncommon for aging adults to accumulate too many prescription medications that are to be taken daily for various medical conditions. When all the prescribed medications are not needed, it is termed “ Polypharmacy.” Polypharmacy is a growing concern in older adults. This is why it is important to review all of your medications on a regular basis with your primary care provider to make sure you are taking only what you need and understand what each medication does for your health. Some individuals have multiple medications that are prescribed more than once daily. Many aging adults have challenges with their medications. This article will identify some methods to assist with medication management.
A basic principle of medicine is to ensure the right medications are given in the right dose, at the right time, via the right route, and to the right patient. This may sound like common sense, and it is. Another principle is to ensure all medications are necessary and they do not counteract or adversely interfere with the action of other medications.
During most medical appointments, you are asked, “What medications do you take?” You should have a typed or legibly written and complete list of your medications – which includes the dosage and frequency you take both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Over-the-counter medications include aspirin, acetaminophen, inhalers, creams and gels to help with arthritis, lidocaine patches, injectables, vitamins, and other supplements. Your list should be shared with your medical provider or medical assistant to add to your medical chart so that your provider can ensure they are compatible with your medical condition and with your other medications. Make sure to keep your list up to date, including any dose or frequency changes. Reviewing your medications, with your primary provider is a priority, especially if you have had a hospitalization or have seen other doctors or specialists who have added or deleted medications from your regimen.
Before your medical appointments, write down any questions you want to ask or share with your provider. Tell the nurse or medical assistant that you have those questions when you first are called into the exam room so your provider will know to make time for them.
When you have been prescribed a new medication, take time to also meet with the pharmacist and ask about any side effects and if it will affect other prescribed medications/over-the-counter medications. If you use other pharmacies, show all pharmacists the complete medication list so they can review it for any interactions. Read each label carefully so you know what time of day to take the medication and any potential side effects. Never stop taking a medication without reviewing it with your primary care provider first. Following the prescribed medication regime is important to preserve health and avoid medical emergencies.
Some older adults (and some younger adults as well) need help organizing or remembering when to take their medications. When multiple medications are prescribed, the following are some suggestions that may help:
Utilizing A Medication Box
A variety of medication boxes are available in stores. Some have a box for each day of the week. Others have morning and evening boxes for each day of the week Preparing the appropriately designed medication box will organize the medications and assure that the proper medications are taken at the right time.
Prepackaging Medications by Dose by a Pharmacy
A pharmacy that provides a prepackaging service will prepare and send in a blister pack (a safety feature focusing on dosing to make it less likely for a patient to double dose) for each day of the month on a card.
Medications for different times of day are blister-packaged on separate cards that are color-coded and clearly labeled. For example, morning medications on one card, noon medications on another, after dinner on a third, and evening medications on a fourth card. PRN (take only when needed) medications are blister packaged on another card.
Automatic Pill Dispensers
The dispensers are available with alarms to alert you when to take medications. Some can be monitored remotely. Some can hold a month’s supply of medications. Any of these options can be set up by you and/or a family member.
Home Health Agencies
A medication nurse can be hired to set up your medication boxes or dispensers and monitor that you have taken the medications. This service can be weekly, monthly, or as otherwise needed.
Personal Emergency Response Systems
Personal emergency response systems allow you to press a button for help in an emergency situation. Some of these systems offer a service of a phone call at medication times to serve as a reminder to take the dose of medication at the prescribed time. Times can be set up with the provider for each individual need.
Following the prescribed medication regime is important to preserve health and avoid medical emergencies. Regularly reviewing your medications with your primary care provider, ensuring you are taking only necessary medications, and having a system to ensure you are taking your medications as prescribed will help maintain a healthy life.
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