Unfortunately, too often our medical systems allow little time for questions you may have about your medications. Sometimes we think that information is a one way street with all information coming from the prescriber. However, to optimize your medication regimen, there are some important things you should communication to those who oversee your medication therapies. Below is a list to help communicate important information to your medical providers. 

o            Each prescriber should know all of your medications. This includes prescription medicines, over the counter products, herbals, home remedies, vitamins and sample medications. Keep an updated list of all your medications you are taking including the dose and how you are using each agent. 

o            Let your doctor know your priorities and concerns.  Would you rather pay more for a medication than deal with a medication that causes you more side effects?   Do you want as many medications dosed once daily as possible?    Remember you are the consumer and if your doctor prescribes a medication that you end up not taking due to a side effect or other reason, no one wins. 

o            Report any allergies, significant side effects, even effectiveness  of current and past medications.  Past use of medications can often guide prescribers away from drugs which may be harmful.   Knowing what has worked in the past can help your prescriber choose what is most likely to benefit you now. 

o            Provide your doctor with information regarding all your medical conditions.  Many drugs can interact with other disease states and impact your overall health.  For example, even though the doctor who prescribes your diabetes medications doesn't treat your heart condition, knowing you have heart problems can help him/her choose the proper diabetes medication.  

o            Tell how you are feeling since you started taking the medicine. Do you think it is helping?  Often unnecessary medication can continue if you do not communicate that it does not seem to be helping.  Changes in dose or change in medication may help effectiveness. 

o            Let your prescriber know all your health care providers, including chiropractic and specialists.  All medical information needs to be shared with your prescribers. 

o            Tell your doctor if you are not taking your medicine as directed. Some  people may stop taking their medicine, take a lower dose, or skip doses if they are having side effects or other issues with their medications. Taking your medication in the dose and at the times prescribed can be very important to the action of some medications.  However, other medication may be appropriate in different doses than prescribed.  Only by communicating with your doctor what your are taking can you work together to get the best regimen.  Do not let guilty feelings or embarrassment keep you from telling your doctor this important information.

Source:  Tricia Cash, Pharm. D., Certified Geriatric Pharmacist, The PharmaCare Network , 240 529 2456 tcash@3ipc.com