Using Medications Wisely
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-01-30 12:09:53.672686-05:00
Most adults age 45 and older take an average of four prescription drugs daily. Keeping track of prescriptions, vitamins and other supplements is crucial to staying healthy and avoiding dangerous side effects. These tips will help you manage your medications wisely for good health and safety.
Conversation is the Best Medicine
Doctors and pharmacists are busy, but they can and will take time to answer your questions. Make sure you are clear about the medications you are taking and how they may affect you.
- Write down your questions and take them to your appointment.
- Ask the questions for each drug you take, and write down the answers.
- Bring both your questions and answers to your doctor and pharmacist.
Questions to Ask
There is no right or wrong question when it comes to medications and your health. You have the right and responsibility to ask any question you like.
Here are a few to get you started:
- What is the name of this medication? What is it supposed to do? What are the side effects?
- Will this medication work safely with other medications I am taking?
- Are there other medications or non-drug actions that can be used to treat my condition?
- How do I take this medicine?
Talk to Your Doctor
It is also important for you to tell your doctor about all the medications you take: prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal. The best way to keep track of all these medicines is to create a list, or personal medication record (PMR). A PMR is a list of everything you take, the doses, and how you take them.
Be sure to include the following information:
- Your name and contact details
- Your physicians' names and contact details
- Your emergency contact information
- Your pharmacy contact information
- The name of your medications, reason for use, form, dose, start and stop date.
Make copies for your doctor, pharmacist, wallet, home, and for a loved one. Be sure to keep it updated with new medications, drug allergies, and side effects.
For a free copy of AARP's Medicines Made Easy guide and PMR, send an email or call 1-866-448-6321.
Making Wise Choices
Exploring your choices can save you money while improving your health.
Some options to consider:
- Generic drugs have the same medical effect as brand-name drugs, but usually cost less.
- Read, compare, and consult with your doctor about your best treatment options. AARP has an online guide that summarizes and compares evidence about some common drugs.
- Bargain shop for medication discounts, just like you would for clothes or food. Consider a prescription discount card, Prescription Advantage and/or Medicare Part D.
Bay State Resources
MassMedLine is a free information and referral service for Bay State Residents. Call toll-free 1-866-633-1617, for information about:
- Medicare Part D and other state and federal insurance programs
- Options for lower cost medications
- Medication counseling and drug profile review
Prescription Advantage is the state-sponsored financial supplement to Medicare Part D.
Related Articles
- Medicines and You
AARP's new online course will help you take five actions to help ensure that you take your medications as safely and effectively as possible. - AARP's Drug Research
AARP's online guide to effective and affordable drugs.
preview