When I look at the number of prescription medications some of our clients take, I’m astounded; first, by the amount of time it takes to keep them all organized, and second, by the fact that many clients are taking meds prescribed by various doctors at different times, and they’re not always keeping track of what’s old, what’s new, what’s working and what isn’t.
The best way to start managing your meds is with a trip to your doctor. Take a list of your meds, all of them, with you.
And don’t leave out any of the over-the-counter drugs you take, including vitamins. For each drug you take, ask “Do I still need this, and is there the possibility of a drug interaction with anything else I’m taking?” And, always try to use just one pharmacy for filling all your prescriptions; most pharmacies have a database that continually checks for drug interactions.
In some cases, you may have what’s called a cascading effect, meaning your doctor may have added a new medication to treat the side effects of another that you’re taking. In that case, the practical solution is to ask your doctor to replace the medication that’s causing the side effects in the first place. Or, maybe all that’s needed is a minor adjustment in dosage. Don’t be afraid to say, “this isn’t working for me, please make a change.”
Store your medications properly, too. I see clients with RX bottles all over the house. Try to keep them in one place, not the bathroom, but in a dry place like a kitchen cabinet or a plastic container in your bedroom. Just make sure they’re out of the reach of your grandkids. Also, consider using what’s called a mediset box or pillbox, that lets you organize your meds on a daily basis — it’s easy, efficient, and failsafe — you won’t forget which pills to take, and when.
Finally, please, please, dispose of all expired medications (simply take them to your pharmacist, do not flush them down the toilet where they can get into the water supply). Hoarding out-of-date meds is dangerous, so if it’s a useful medication that you want to keep on hand, just in case, ask your doctor for a refill.
For more information or questions about keeping your meds organized, please call Home Instead Senior Care at 661-254-8701 or email charlenep@homeinstead.com .