Medications play an important part in managing our health conditions.  When we suffer from multiple chronic health problems, we often find ourselves on multiple medications from multiple doctors. Using our medications properly can be a problem. Keeping our medications organized, knowing what to take and when to take it can be confusing. And knowing when to reach out to our doctor/nurse practitioner is important. Here are some tips to help

Polypharmacy

• Definition
  • The practice of prescribing multiple medications for an individual patient, especially excessively, for a single disease.The prescribing of too many medicines, especially in one prescription.
  • The act or practice of prescribing too many medicines.
• Increases risk of
  • Hospitalization
  • Falls
  • Hip fracture
• Adverse Drug reactions
  • Double if you are taking 5 to 7 medications
  • Quadruple if taking 8 or more medications

Some Important points

• Your medication includes prescription medication, over the counter medication (where no prescription is needed), and vitamins/supplements
• We all should have a list of all of our medications, prescription and non-prescription, that includes
  • Medication name
    • Usually two names, brand name and generic name. Both are on the label
  • Strength of medication, usually in milligrams
  • Frequency of use
    • Is it taken regularly? If so how many times/day?
    • If not, how often do you take it?
• Regularly review your medications with your doctor, nurse practitioner
  • Bring your list of medications to every medical visit
  • Bring all of your medication bottles annually to a medical visit

Resources

• Your community pharmacist
  • Ask your pharmacist for a medication review
  • Ensure you have a complete list of your medication at your review.
• Lists of medications that may have adverse effects for seniors – can be reviewed on the internet or with your care provider.
  • Beers Criteria
  • STOPP – Screening Tool of Older Person’s Prescriptions
  • FORTA – fit FOR The Aged

Another Important Resource

• If unsure if you need emergency care and are unable to see your doctor/nurse practitioner – call Fraser Health Virtual Care – (800) 324-0999