Start the New Year Right, Review Your Medications
The end of the year is a time for reflection and resolutions, but it’s also the perfect time to prioritize your health. Start the new year right by getting a medication review and taking stock of all the medications you’re taking, including prescription drugs, over the counter (OTC) remedies, herbal products and supplements. Getting a medication review isn’t just about sorting through your medicine cabinet and throwing out expired medications, it’s about making sure your medications are safe, effective and working together to improve your health.
What is a medication review
A medication review is a detailed evaluation of all the medications you’re taking with a health care provider. It’s an opportunity to sit down with a pharmacist, doctor or advanced practice provider (APP) to discuss your treatment plan and medications to make sure it’s right for you. This process helps identify if there are any potential risks, such as drug interactions, side effects, or duplicate medications, and helps make sure your medicines are helping you achieve your health goals.
Why a medication review is important
Some people, especially those with chronic conditions, take multiple medications, a situation known as polypharmacy. While medications are critical for treating illnesses and maintaining your health, taking multiple drugs can sometimes lead to complications. That is why having a medication review is so important as it allows for the following.
- Safety first: Medications, including OTC and herbal products, can interact in unexpected ways. Such as reducing the effectiveness of a prescription drug or causing harmful side effects.
- Improved effectiveness: Your health needs can change over time, and so can the effectiveness of your medications. A review helps make sure your medications are still working and gives you the opportunity to discuss any concerns you have about them.
- Avoiding duplicates: It’s not uncommon for people to end up with similar medications prescribed by different doctors or APPs.
- Clarifying instructions: Medications can be confusing, especially if you’re managing multiple prescriptions. Getting a medication review allows your pharmacist, doctor or APP to explain how and when to take your medications, what to avoid and what side effects to watch for.
- Identifying non-prescription concerns: You may not realize that OTC medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins can be just as powerful as prescription drugs. The medication review gives you the peace of mind that these products are safe and effective for you.
How to prepare for a medication review
To get the most out of your medication review, take these steps before your appointment:
- Gather all your medications: Bring a complete list of everything you take, including prescriptions, OTC drugs, herbal supplements and vitamins. If you’re not sure about something, bring the actual product or packaging.
- Make notes: Write down any questions or concerns you have before your appointment. For example, do you feel like a medication isn’t working? Are you experiencing side effects?
- Track changes: Let your pharmacist, doctor or APP know if your health has changed recently, such as a new diagnosis or a change in symptoms. This information can influence your medication plan.
- Be honest: Don’t be afraid to admit if you’re not taking a medication as prescribed, have concerns about cost or are experiencing any side effects.
- Know what to expect: During your medication review, your pharmacist, doctor or APP will:
- Go over each medication you take, including OTC and supplements.
- Check for interactions or duplicate therapies.
- Make sure your doses are appropriate for your age, weight, and health conditions.
- Discuss any side effects you’re experiencing.
- Address your questions and concerns.
- At the end, they may recommend changes, such as stopping a medication, adjusting a dose or trying a new medication.
Taking the time to review your medications can improve your health, prevent potential problems, and maybe even save you money. It’s a simple but powerful step in managing your health by making sure your treatment plan is up-to-date and effective. Start the new year off right by reaching out to your pharmacist, doctor or APP to schedule your medication review today.
*An advanced practice provider includes a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.