Medications play a key role in helping many individuals, especially older adults, maintain their quality of life. However, for some, managing medications to achieve the best outcomes can be a challenge.
Why is medication management critical, and who does it affect?
Medication management is a problem for a lot of people, particularly those with several physical or mental conditions. Many of these individuals are older than 65, a population more likely to take multiple medications and more susceptible to side effects, in part due to the physical changes that accompany aging.
In fact, according to the Pew Research Center, people age 65 and older make up just 18 percent of the population. But account for 88.6 percent of all prescription medication use and 30-39% percent of all over-the-counter medication use. What typically happens is that an older adult sees different doctors for different conditions, each prescribing medication separately. As the number of medications increases, so does the risk of side effects and significant interactions, some of which can be serious. Plus, many of these patients are on complicated regimens, which further compounds the situation.
Four tips for managing medications:
Whether you’re dealing with medication management challenges personally or caring for someone who is, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of the medications doing more harm than good. Here are some tips that can help you, or a loved one, manage their medication.
1. Find a HCP. Designate one primary care provider—either a person or a team—to help manage your entire medication list. Seeing multiple doctors with little communication about what medications they’re each prescribing can increase the chance of side effects and significant interactions between medications. Going to the same primary care provider or team of providers who are up to date on your medications can help prevent this. Having your primary care provider’s medication list available at all times is essential. It should include over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies, as well as prescriptions. An annual “medication check-up” can eliminate unnecessary medications and ensure all medications are compatible.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Listen carefully when a medication is prescribed and ask questions to find out the name of the drug, its purpose, proper dosing, and potential side effects. It’s important to know what’s going on in your body, so don’t be afraid to ask. Take notes and remember prescribed medicines should not be stopped without a provider’s instruction.
3. Simplify your daily medicine routine. Having to take several different medicines a day at other times is a challenge. Work with your provider to simplify your medication regimen. They can help create a schedule that doesn’t make taking your medication so taxing, which in turn can improve the effects it has on you. Once-a-day dosing, if possible, is ideal.
4. Fill your prescriptions at the same pharmacy. Having a trusted pharmacy fill all of your prescriptions can be a big help in managing your medications. By going to the same pharmacy, the pharmacist knows all medications you take and can check for duplicates or possible drug interactions, as well as explain any potential side effects.
Medication management is an ongoing process, one that needs to be adapted continually, especially with changing physical or mental conditions. The use of medications is not something to be taken lightly. Ensuring they are carried safely is the best way to achieve optimal outcomes.
