Medication Management

How many medications do you take? If you’re like most older adults, you’re on more than one prescription medication, a situation we call polypharmacy. While taking a number of medications can be necessary and important for certain conditions, patients and their families should also be aware of the potential risks, especially as we age.

Why are older adults unique when it comes to medications? For a number of reasons, older adults respond differently to medications. This can sometimes result in drug interactions, side effects, and potentially significant consequences. Older adults may also be seeing multiple doctors and specialists, who might not know what the others are prescribing. Without a coordinated care team and communication between clinicians, patients may accidentally be put on medications that should not be taken together.

So what should you do to reduce the risks of too many medications? First, make sure you work with your care team to keep an updated medication list with you for any medical appointments. That way, you can always show other doctors what you are already taking. Second, make sure to review your medications with your doctor to confirm that everything you’re prescribed is necessary for your health and is able to be taken together. You should also always make sure to tell your care team if you think you are having any side effects. Finally, make sure you’re taking your medications consistently and correctly. You can use medical reminder apps on your phone, daily pillbox organizers, or even ask family and friends to help keep you on track.

Our core mission at Heyday is to provide patients with the best possible primary care. That includes ensuring that they are on the appropriate medications for their health, and monitoring them closely for potential side effects. We work with our patients to develop a medication plan that works for them, and we’re always available to answer any questions.