Why Medication Reviews Matter: Make Sure Your Medications Are Doing Their Job!
Medications play a vital role in maintaining health, managing chronic conditions, and improving quality of life. However, as we accumulate more prescriptions over time, it can become challenging to keep track of all the medications we are taking, their potential interactions, and whether they are still the best option for our current health needs. This is where medication reviews come in—an essential practice that can help you ensure your medications are safe, effective, and working together without unintended consequences.
What Is a Medication Review?
A medication review is a comprehensive evaluation of the medications you are currently taking. This review is typically conducted by a healthcare professional, such as a nurse, pharmacist, or physician, and is designed to assess whether your medications are still appropriate for your current health status. It also looks for any potential interactions, duplications, or side effects that could harm your well-being.
Medications can change over time as your health evolves, so periodic reviews are essential for keeping your treatment plan up to date. A medication review often includes a thorough examination of prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, supplements, and even herbal remedies you may be using.
Why Are Medication Reviews Important?
Ensuring Medications Are Still Effective
As people age or their health conditions change, the medications that once worked well may no longer be as effective. For example, a medication that helps manage high blood pressure might not be as effective if a person's condition worsens or if they develop other health issues. A medication review helps your healthcare provider evaluate whether your prescriptions still align with your current health needs. They may recommend adjustments to dosages or switch you to a different medication that may work better for your condition.
Identifying Drug Interactions
One of the most significant risks of taking multiple medications is the potential for drug interactions. Drug interactions occur when two or more medications work together in a way that alters their effects, potentially reducing their effectiveness or causing harmful side effects. For example, taking certain antibiotics alongside blood thinners could increase the risk of bleeding, while combining specific antidepressants might lead to serotonin syndrome.
A medication review helps identify these interactions, allowing your healthcare provider to adjust your prescriptions accordingly to minimize risks. The pharmacist or physician can also ensure that any over-the-counter medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are taking do not interfere with your prescription medications.
Preventing Medication Duplication
Taking multiple medications for the same or similar condition is more common than many people realize. This can happen when different healthcare providers prescribe medications that treat the same condition without checking if you are already taking a similar drug. Medication duplication increases the risk of side effects and can lead to unnecessary costs. During a medication review, a healthcare professional will assess your medication regimen for any unnecessary duplication. They may recommend discontinuing or substituting medications to streamline your treatment plan.
Managing Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
Every medication has the potential for side effects, but some side effects can be more harmful or noticeable than others. Medications may cause fatigue, dizziness, nausea, or cognitive changes. Over time, you may become accustomed to these side effects or attribute them to other factors. A medication review allows your healthcare provider to check for any adverse effects you may be experiencing and assess whether they are related to your medications. If so, they can recommend alternatives or adjust the dosage to reduce the risk.
Improving Medication Adherence
Taking medications as prescribed is crucial for their effectiveness, but it can be difficult for some people to stick to their medication regimen. Forgetting doses, confusion about timing, side effects that make medications uncomfortable, and difficulty with transportation to the pharmacy or doctor appointments can all contribute to poor adherence. A medication review allows you to discuss any challenges you may be facing with your current regimen. Your healthcare provider can then provide guidance on managing side effects, setting reminders, switching to medications with easier dosing schedules, and perhaps a pharmacy that delivers. Improved medication adherence can lead to better health outcomes and fewer hospitalizations.
How Often Should You Have a Medication Review?
The frequency of medication reviews depends on several factors, including your age, the number of medications you are taking, and any underlying health conditions you may have. However, as a general guideline, you should consider having a medication review:
Annually: If you are generally healthy and taking only a few medications.
Every 6 months: If you have chronic conditions, take multiple medications, or have experienced any recent changes in your health.
After any significant changes in your health or treatment plan: This includes hospitalization, starting a new medication, switching medications, or adding new health conditions to your management plan.
If you are seeing multiple specialists, it’s essential to ensure that all of your healthcare providers are aware of the medications you are taking and how they interact with each other. Medication reviews can help maintain open communication between your providers, ensuring that your treatment plan is coordinated and comprehensive.
How to Prepare for a Medication Review
To make the most of your medication review, it’s essential to be prepared. Here are some steps to help you get ready:
Have all of Your Medication Bottles, Inhalers, Insulin Pens, Etc. Available— OR—
Make a List of All Medications: Include prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies. Be sure to list the dosages and how often you take them.
Note Any Issues: Write down any side effects you’ve been experiencing or any problems you’ve encountered with your medications (e.g., difficulty remembering to take them, interactions with food or other drugs, etc.).
Bring a Family Member or Friend: It’s often helpful to have someone else present to take notes or help you remember important points during the review. If you have nobody with you, either take notes yourself or ask the doctor or nurse to add them to your visit summary so that you have the information.
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider about anything you’re unsure about. Ask about potential drug interactions, the need for supplements, or ways to make taking your medications easier. It’s always a good idea to bring a list of your questions to your appointment so that you don’t forget to ask anything while you’re there.
Medication reviews are a critical part of ensuring that your treatment plan is effective and safe. They offer the opportunity to identify potential issues, like drug interactions or duplications, and allow you to work with your healthcare team to find the best approach to managing your health. By taking the time to have regular medication reviews, you can improve your health outcomes, reduce unnecessary medications, and prevent potentially harmful interactions.
If you’re due for a medication review, don’t wait—schedule one today to ensure that your medications are working for you, not against you. Some health insurance companies have nurses or pharmacists employed who will call you to do your medication review over the phone. It is a good idea to answer their calls and complete the review, your health and well-being depend on it.