Taking Control: Your Guide to Medication Safety
If you or a loved one live with several chronic conditions, your routine likely involves multiple medications, vitamins, and supplements. These drugs are essential, but managing so many at once – known as polypharmacy – can increase the risk of overmedication or harmful drug reactions.
The good news is, there are simple steps you can take to stay safe and ensure your medications are helping, not harming!
Keep One Master Medication List
A good first step is to create and maintain a single, up-to-date list of everything you take. This should include:
- Prescription medications with exact dosage and frequency
- Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, like pain relievers or cold medicine
- Vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements
Keep this list in your wallet or phone, and bring it to every appointment, whether you are seeing your primary doctor, a specialist, or your WellBe provider at home. Sharing this complete picture prevents doctors from prescribing a new medication that could dangerously interact with an existing one.
Ask “Why?” Before Starting a New Medication
Before accepting a new prescription, talk to your doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist. You have the right to ask:
- Is this drug truly necessary? If it is treating a side effect of another drug, is there a better alternative?
- What are the common side effects, and what should I watch for?
- Is there a lower dose that would still be effective?
- How will this interact with the other medications on my list?
For seniors, the body processes medications differently, meaning some drugs linger longer in the system, resulting in stronger side effects. Don’t be afraid to ask for the lowest effective dose.
Know the Warning Signs of a Harmful Reaction
Sometimes, an issue is not a new illness but a side effect or drug interaction. Common signs of drug-related problems often appear as symptoms of aging or illness, such as:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Confusion or sudden forgetfulness
- Feeling unusually sleepy or tired
- Experiencing falls
If you experience a new or sudden change in your health, don’t assume it’s just you “getting older.” Instead, reach out to your healthcare provider immediately.
This is where a unified care team makes a difference! WellBe providers and pharmacists work together with you and your current specialists to ensure you’re taking the right medications. They can also review your entire medication regimen to spot potential issues and help simplify your plan, making sure your health remains safe and on track to your goals.
Experience Healthcare Built Around You
Not currently a WellBe patient? Click below to check if you’re eligible, and learn how our in-home care makes managing your health easier and safer.