QUESTIONS FOR THE FAMILY PHARMACIST
Pharmacists are trusted experts who can explain what medications are for, how to take them, and if there are potential drug interactions or side effects that might occur. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about new prescriptions or your current medications when you go to CVS, Walgreens, Publix, etc., no matter how busy the store seems, how long the line is, or how much of a hurry you are in!
You want your loved one to be healthy and feel as good as possible. Ever heard the saying: “…sometimes the cure can be worse than the curse?” Well that can be true if a prescription from the doctor is supposed to heal an illness or condition but instead creates another unwanted or dangerous symptom or side effect.
Many folks get a medication home, and even though instructions are printed on the container, still are unsure about how to administer them. Over 3 billion prescriptions are doled out in a year in the USA, and about half of those wind up being taken incorrectly! If you or a loved one see multiple doctors or specialists, remember that each one may not totally be aware of ALL the medicines, over-the-counter-drugs, vitamins and supplements that you are taking. Seniors have slow metabolisms which means drugs take longer to have effect and often linger in the system.
A pharmacist can immediately pick up on situations like these:
- A generic is not always as effective as the “name brand” drug
- Unwanted interactions between drugs
- Serious side effects
- Simple solutions to mild reactions from a certain medication
- Whether it is best to take medication with food or on an empty stomach
- Best timing if medication is hard to tolerate
- If your prescription is covered by insurance – is there an alternative
- How long it may be before you see results or the meds take effect
Be sure to review your ENTIRE medication list with you doctor at your next routine check up. Sometimes drugs prescribed are no longer needed, are duplicated by a more recent prescription, or toxic when combined with another drug, or when you have developed certain new conditions or illnesses.
Contact Us: It is essential to realize your loved one may not be taking their meds because they “feel” better, don’t like the side effects, think it is too expensive, or they may be forgetful about dosing. It happens frequently that they truly don’t remember what it’s for or why they need it. That’s when Visiting Angels homecare and companionship services can be of benefit if you cannot be there: not only can we transport your loved one to their physician appointment, we can accompany them to the pharmacy, and as part of the daily routine be sure the take their meds, stay hydrated, and have a meal or snack with their medicine if recommended.
Till Next Time!
Irv Seldin, JD, President and Owner, Visiting Angels of the Palm Beaches
*THIS ARTICLE IS NOT INTENDED AS MEDICAL ADVICE.