Dealing with multiple medications a day is a common problem for older adults and their caregivers, especially since nearly 40% 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, and staying alert to side effects and interactions all help keep you healthy.” These strategies can make multiple managing medications easier—and safer.
Fill your prescriptions at one pharmacy.
This makes getting prescription refills easier —so older adults are more likely to take medications as directed. Using one pharmacy keeps medication records in one place, so the pharmacist can evaluate risk and work with the individual’s doctor to avoid any potential problems.
Ask about affordable alternatives.
If someone is having difficulty paying for their medications, they shouldn’t hesitate to ask their doctor about lower-cost options like generic drugs. Ask the pharmacist to talk with the doctor about other options or guide an individual to prescription-drug assistance programs.
Use a pill dispenser or other reminder system
Use a pillbox with compartments for each day of the week—and for morning, noon and night if someone takes medication several times a day. Make taking medication part of a daily routine. Try setting a timer on the phone, alarm clock, or always make the pill simultaneous, for example, after brushing your teeth in the morning. Home Health services can help with medication management.
Get prescriptions refilled early
Running out could allow health conditions to worsen. Pharmacists may be able to help individuals get multiple medications on the same refill schedule.
Make a list—and update it regularly.
Keep a list of the medications taken—with the name of the drug, the dose, how often it is taken and why. Put a copy in the medical files at home, carry one in your wallet to show your doctor, and give a copy to a loved one or friend if there is a medical emergency.
Get a yearly “brown bag” review
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.
