Dear Savvy Senior,
My 71-year-old mother is having a hard time managing and remembering all the different medications she has to take, and I am worried she is taking way too many drugs. Any suggestions?
Over Medicated
Dear Medicated,
The challenges of managing medications can be difficult for many seniors - especially those who take multiple drugs for various health problems. Here are some tips that can help.
Drug Review
Nearly half of Americans, age 65 and older take five or more prescription drugs, and 12 percent take 10 or more. Unfortunately, the more drugs a person takes, the higher their risk for potential medication problems, and the more likely they are to take something they don't need. If you have questions or concerns about the various medications your mother is taking, gather up all her pill bottles (include all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements) and take them to her primary physician for a drug review. Go through each one together. Once you've agreed on which ones, if any, to change or drop, make a master list of the remaining ones as a reference, and with every change, update it.
Get Informed
Most medicine problems can be avoided or solved by communicating with the doctor, so don't be afraid to ask lots of questions. Here are some key points to cover when a new drug is prescribed (you may need to help your mom with this):
• Tell the doctor about all the medicines she's currently taking (bring her drug list along), if she's being treated by another doctor for something else, and if she has any allergies or side effects from any particular medicines.
• Be sure you know the name of the newly prescribed medicine and can read the handwriting on the prescription. If you can't read it, the pharmacist may not be able to either. Also ask if there's a lower-cost generic version available.
• Ask about the possible side effects the new medicine can cause, and what should be done if they occur.
• Find out how and when the medicine should be taken, how much to take, and for how long. (Note: not taking medication as directed can cause serious health problems.)
• What foods, drinks, other medicines, dietary supplements, or activities should be avoided while taking the medicine?
• What should be done if a dose is missed, or an extra one was inadvertently taken?
• When should the medicine begin working, and what, if any tests are required to monitor her reaction to the treatment?
Savvy Tips: If you have any doubts about a prescribed medication, do some research online at sites like www.drugdigest.org or www.medlineplus.gov, or ask your pharmacist. It's also a good idea to submit all prescriptions to the same pharmacy or chain. Typically, pharmacy computer systems automatically flag any potential drug interactions.
Medication Reminders
Studies estimate that two-thirds of Americans that use medicine fail to take their drugs as prescribed, mainly because they either don't remember, can't afford them or experience unpleasant side effects. If forgetfulness is the problem, here are some tips that may help:
• Keep your medicines in a place you'll notice them like your bedside stand, kitchen counter, etc. Don't keep them in the bathroom medicine cabinet where they're exposed to damaging humidity and heat.
• If you can, take medicines at the same time each day. To help remember, try linking your medicine to something you do regularly like brushing your teeth or eating lunch.
• Use calendars, pillboxes, or medication timers (see www.epill.com) as reminders, and to keep organized.
• Keep a written schedule or checklist of the pills you take and how often to take them.
• Put reminder notes around the house (on the refrigerator, by the phone, etc.).
• Ask a friend or relative to call and remind you.
• Monitor your disease. Home blood pressure or blood sugar testing, for example can help motivate you to take your medication.
• Remember to order refills in time to avoid lapses in treatment.
Savvy Resource: The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists offers a free packet of information on medication problems, including a list of dangerous drug interactions. They also offer a national directory of senior care pharmacists that help older patients by managing their medications. Visit www.seniorcarepharmacist.com or call 800-355-2727.
Send your senior questions to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” books.
