Prescription Medication Safety
Posted in Senior Health Care Tips
A major element of maintaining long-term independence is managing chronic (ongoing) medical conditions. Ailments like cardiovascular disease and diabetes, among many others, are often kept in check through the use of prescription medication.
A recent CDC survey from 2019 found that among Americans aged 49 to 70, nearly 7 in 10 participants reported taking at least one prescription medication in the last 30 days, and more than 2 in 10 participants reported taking five or more medications regularly.
While these medications can greatly improve the quality of life of an older adult, complications can arise due to unexpected side effects, interactions among different medications, or mismanagement of a medication schedule. 
Read on to learn tips on how to better manage a medication schedule, avoid negative drug interactions, and be a better-informed patient.
Documentation
Different medications can have negative interactions when taken in conjunction with prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications and vitamin supplements. One of the best ways to avoid the occurrences is to maintain a clear list of all prescription and OTC medication you regularly take.
This list should include the name of each medication and supplement you regularly take, the dosage level and frequency that you take the medication, and what condition the medication is meant to treat.
This list should come with you for every doctor’s appointment or trip to the pharmacy and should be shared with your clinicians. Having a list at home is helpful, but transcribing this information into a wallet-sized card is even better, as you will always have it on you in the event of a sudden emergency.
Get all prescriptions through a single pharmacy
While your primary care physician will do their best to maintain a safe regime of medication for you, your pharmacist can play a critical role as a safety net in catching potential negative drug interactions. By going to a single pharmacy for all prescriptions, you are making the most of this safety net.
Additionally, a pharmacy counter is often a less high-pressure environment than a doctor’s office, and thanks to more frequent visits, it can be easier to take additional time to discuss concerns and raise questions before you begin taking a new medication.
Review your prescription list annually with your doctor
A lot can change in a year, including medical best practices and your own health. Be sure to bring your list of current medications with you during your annual visit and discuss it with your doctor.
A review of medications might lead to the doctor recommending a new or alternative medication with reduced side effects, or possibly changing your prescription as your condition or overall health changes.
Stay organized
The effectiveness of many medications depends on regular dosage or taking medication at specific times (i.e. before eating, first thing in the morning, etc.). As a result, getting yourself on a schedule and not missing doses is critical to an effective medication plan.
One of the best tools for staying on track with medication is a pill organizer combined with a paper schedule. Your schedule and pill organizer should be kept in a visible place in your home, and you should refill your organizer at a set time every week. These tools can be further augmented with recurring calendar reminders set on your phone.
Never stop taking a medication without consulting with your physician
Some medications can cause complications if they are suddenly stopped, while others might be prescribed to work in conjunction with the medication you plan to no longer use.
As a patient, you are ultimately in control of your own medical care, however you should always consult with a prescribing doctor before ending the use of a medication. This allows your medical team to taper down dosages if applicable, or find alternate means to help keep a chronic condition in check.
Ask questions and stay informed when prescribed a new medication
The best time to learn about a new medication is before you begin taking it. If your doctor prescribes a new medication, don’t be afraid to ask questions and be open with any concerns you might have. Feel free to discuss your concerns as they arise, but at a minimum, be sure to ask the following (and write down the answers if need be).
- Ask these questions when prescribed a new drug:
- How will I feel when I start taking this medication?
- How and when should I take this drug?
- How long will it take before I notice any changes?
- What side effects should I watch for?
- Could this drug interact with other medication I am taking?
- How should I store this medication?
We hope you found this article helpful. Our team of home health care experts has decades of experience working alongside our client’s medical team to promote happier, healthier lives and empower our clients to remain independent and comfortable.
A home health caregiver can play a crucial role in helping a client stick to their medication schedule and provide invaluable support in safely navigating the effects of new medication.
To learn more about how SelectCare helps, call SelectCare today, request a free in-home care guide, or read testimonials from our clients and their loved ones