The best approach: “When you’re using several medications, be proactive,” says Jessica Merrey, PharmD, clinical pharmacy specialist at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and certified geriatric pharmacist. “Taking medications as directed by your doctor, getting refills on time, and staying alert to side effects and interactions all help keep you healthy.”
Full Answer
How do you take care of a patient with multiple medications?
When caring for a patient who takes numerous medications, it is best to: A. document the medications on your patient care report, but leave them at home so they do not get misplaced. B. take all of the patient’s medications with you to the hospital and document them on your patient care report.
How many prescription drugs should an older adult take?
Nearly 40 percent of older adults take five or more prescription drugs. The best approach: “When you’re using several medications, be proactive,” says Jessica Merrey, PharmD, clinical pharmacy specialist at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and certified geriatric pharmacist.
Why do pharmacists fill prescriptions at one pharmacy?
Fill your prescriptions at one pharmacy. This makes getting prescription refills simpler—so you’re more likely to take medications as directed. It also helps your pharmacist protect you from drug interactions. “The risk for side effects and drug interactions rises with each additional medication you take,” Merrey explains.
How can I Stay on my medication regimen?
To stay on your regimen, you'll have to be organized and learn about each of your drugs. Many older adults take five or more prescription medications, increasing the risk of harmful drug interactions. Taking several types of medications can be challenging.
How to keep a list of medications?
Keep a list of the medications you take—with the name of the drug, the dose, how often you take it and why. Put a copy in your medical files at home, carry one in your wallet to show your doctor, and give a copy to a loved one or friend in case you have a medical emergency. “Don’t assume all of your health care providers know about all of your medications,” Merrey says. “A list is essential. It can also help your doctor look for the sources of any side effects or interactions you may be having.”
How to remind yourself to take medication?
You can also keep a medication schedule to remind you what to take, and when. (Post it on your refrigerator or inside a kitchen cabinet door .) “Make taking your medications part of your daily routine. Try setting a timer on your phone, watch or alarm clock,” suggests Merrey. “You might always take them after you brush your teeth in the morning, for example.”
Why do pharmacists need to have one pharmacy?
“The risk for side effects and drug interactions rises with each additional medication you take,” Merrey explains. “Using one pharmacy keeps your medication records in one place, so the pharmacist can evaluate your risk and work with your doctor to avoid potential problems .”
What is a pill box?
“A pill box with compartments for each day of the week —and for morning, noon and night if you take medications several times a day—lets you know at a glance whether you’ve taken your medicines yet,” Merrey says. “Your pharmacist may be able to fill your pill dispenser for you.”
How many prescriptions do older adults take?
Nearly 40 percent of older adults take five or more prescription drugs. The best approach: “When you’re using several medications, be proactive,” says Jessica Merrey, PharmD, clinical pharmacy specialist at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and certified geriatric pharmacist. “Taking medications as directed by your doctor, getting refills on time, ...
What to do with all prescriptions?
Toss everything you take (prescriptions, over-the-counter remedies and supplements) into a bag and take it to your annual checkup for a review. “With age, the body absorbs and breaks down medications differently. Your doctor may change the dose of something you’ve used for a long time,” she says.
Can you run out of medicine?
Running out could allow health conditions to worsen. Check expiration dates frequently and discard any medicines that are out of date. Your pharmacist may even be able to help you get multiple medications on the same refill schedule so that you can make fewer trips to the drugstore, Merrey says.
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administer drug via the IV route to achieve the fastest effect.
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Can you take 15 medications?
If you don't, you may have unwanted side effects, or you may not properly treat your chronic condition. "I see people who average 15 medications, and it's very difficult for them to juggle that many pills," says Joanne Doyle Petrongolo, a pharmacist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.