Pill Boxes And Medicine Organizer

10 Tips for Medication Management

 

What good is medication without a management plan? For many Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia patients, there can be a plethora of prescription medication they take. According to Johns Hopkins, approximately 20% of Americans over the age of 40 take five or more prescription drugs. That can be a lot to keep track of!! It’s important you be proactive, stay on top of prescription refills, and be aware of possible side effects and drug interactions in order to manage your medication program safely. Being your own best advocate can mean making sure your doctor’s office gets the right prescription to your pharmacy on time so there is no interruption in your medication management program. Prescription drug management is only effective if we are diligent and compliant.

Medication Management: 10 Essential Tips

The Mayo Clinic reports that 70% of Americans take at least one prescription drug, with more than half taking at least two. No matter what you may be taking medication for, it’s crucial that if you take multiple meds (prescription or OTC), you do it appropriately. Following any medication schedule is critical to maximize efficacy, and you should check with your pharmacist if you take multiple prescription medications to head off any possible negative drug interactions. 10 useful tips for successful pill management include:

1. Keep a schedule

   Write down when and how many pills you should be taking at any given time. Be sure to make it clear and concise. A visual reminder is always a good idea!!

2. Make your schedule available

   By keeping your written medication schedule visible and available, anyone can help keep you or your loved one stay on schedule.

3. List all medicines

   Document all medications taken by you or your loved one. This should contain any prescription medication or OTC/supplements taken.

4. Understand your meds

   Feel free to ask your pharmacist what each prescription medication taken does. Should it be taken with or without food? Morning or night? What could be some potential side effects? Your pharmacist is a great resource!!

5. Incorporate meds into your daily routine

   Make sure you take your meds at the same time each day. Maybe after brushing your teeth or as soon as you wake up, depending upon whether they should be taken with food or without. Try setting timers on your phone or alarm clock to signify medication time.

6. Fill prescriptions at one pharmacy

   Keeping your prescriptions under one roof can help avoid any negative drug interaction since your one pharmacist can see it all. This can be especially important with new medications.

7. Contact your pharmacy for medication synchronization

   This allows patients to fill prescriptions every 30 or 90 days instead of having refills scattered throughout the month. This helps with organization and simplifies medication management.

8. Patient and family engagement

   Get everyone involved to ensure medication management compliance by the patient or loved one. This can help keep patients compliant and even possibly avoid overdoses (especially with dementia patients).

9. Use a pillbox

   Using a pillbox can make it easier for caregivers, family members, and even our loved ones to remember when to take their medications. This can help with medication compliance and preventing double doses of medication.

10. Never stop medication on your own

    You should always consult your physician or pharmacist before stopping any medication. Some meds should be stopped gradually to avoid complications and online information can’t be relied upon.

If any medication you are taking makes you feel sick or has negative side effects, ask your doctor about changing the dosage or changing to a different medicine. Also, be sure to review your medications annually. At your annual checkup, be sure to show your doctor what you take, and the doses since your needs may change with age.

Products That Can Help!

When to Seek Medical Attention

If, at any time during your medication management program, you should experience what you think are negative side effects, be sure to inform your physician immediately. Senior medication management can mean changing the dosage or even moving you to a different medication. 

References

• Medication Management and Safety Tips - Hopkins Medicine  
• Medication Management - Mayo Clinic Health System  
• Medication Management Strategy: Intervention - AHRQ
• Mercy Adherence Handouts - Children's Mercy Kansas City 

 

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