If you're thinking about simplifying your prescriptions, consider these 5 questions before your medication checkup.
I am asked almost daily what to do about a parent, grandparent or loved one who is taking 10 or more medications a day. Believe it or not, taking this many medications is common among older adults.
Before you make an appointment, there is a lot you should do behind the scenes to start the process and make your health care professional's job—and your job—much easier. If you prepare in advance, you will achieve great peace of mind and be thankful you did.
When you schedule the visit, make sure the physician's office knows that you are coming in for a complete medication or prescription checkup and may need a little extra time. Office visits for repeat visits are often allotted only 10 to 15 minutes maximum. You may need more time than this, and you want the office to be prepared.Start by gathering all medications, vitamins and supplements.
You should know all you can about adherence. Is your loved one getting all the medications prescribed at the right dose and time? Are all the medications refilled regularly? If you are worried a loved one may not be taking a particular medicine, a pharmacist may know more about their adherence and can help.
I heard a presentation by a University of Pennsylvania research professor recently noting that even after a patent has had a serious heart attack, patients fail to take their lifesaving medications up to 60 percent of the time. A long-distance caregiver whose mother had advanced dementia and 24/7 caregivers contacted me because she was finding it difficult to safely manage her mother's medications. I suggested she look at whether the number of medications could be reduced.
For example, perhaps having the ability to live at home without undue risk or medication side effects is far more important than preventing a disease far in the future.
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