Buzz
If you’re on multiple prescriptions or have recently started using an over-the-counter medication or supplement, it might be time for a check-up with your doctor.
Dr. Suzanne Salamon, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, shares with Harvard Health that medication reviews should occur annually and after a hospital stay (this is especially crucial for elderly individuals). Here’s what you should do—or help your parents do.
Bring all the medications, vitamins, and supplements you take regularly, along with their physical bottles, to your next doctor’s visit. “A written list isn’t enough,” says Salamon. “People often omit medications or forget to note the correct doses.” You can also take them to your pharmacist.
This is especially crucial if multiple doctors are prescribing medications for you or if you’re taking over-the-counter medicines on your own—one doctor may not be aware of how another medication you’re using could interact with a new prescription.
“A complicated or confusing medication routine increases the likelihood that you’ll forget to take your medicine (which can lead to health issues), take too much of a specific drug (causing negative side effects), or experience a harmful drug interaction,” states Harvard Health. “Your doctor might be able to remove a medication or supplement to simplify your regimen.”
Aside from the health benefits, there’s also a financial reason to consider this: Your pharmacist or another doctor might inform you that you don’t need a specific medication or that a more affordable generic version is available. Inquire about non-medication alternatives and potential side effects.
“If you're buying over-the-counter medication on your own, or if your doctor has given you a prescription with refills but unclear instructions about the duration, you might be taking a pill unnecessarily,” explains Harvard Health. “For instance, certain drugs, like proton-pump inhibitors for heartburn, are not meant for long-term use.”
Lastly, create a new list of your prescriptions and dosages, and ensure it’s updated after each doctor’s visit or whenever there’s a change in your medication regimen.
