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Managing Medication | Medication Reminders | Drug Review | Your "411" For Help

Drug Review

Nearly half of Americans, age 65 and older take five or more prescription drugs, and 12 percent take 10 or more. Unfortunately, the more drugs a person takes, the higher their risk for potential medication problems, and the more likely they are to take something they don’t need. If you have questions or concerns about the various medications you (or your loved one) are taking, gather up all the medications currently being used (include all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements) and take them to your primary physician for a drug review. Go through each one together. Once you’ve agreed on which ones, if any, to change or drop, make a master list of the remaining ones as a reference, and with every change, update it.

Savvy Resource: The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists offers a free packet of information on medication problems, including a list of dangerous drug interactions. They also offer a national directory of senior care pharmacists that help older patients by managing their medications. Visit www.seniorcarepharmacist.com or call 800-355-2727.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” books.