Let’s Talk About Drugs
According to the CDC, a 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that 45.8% of the US population had used a prescription drug in the last 30 days. It is very likely the number is even higher today and that many are taking multiple medications. After my brief stint working in a hospital, I remember the medication review with patients coming into the Emergency Department or being admitted to the hospital was an eye opening experience. Many patients were on multiple medications and what was more startling to me was that many patients had no idea why they were taking them. I’m not suggesting we all try to learn the in-depth science behind each medicine or become pharmacologists. What I do want to encourage is gaining a basic understanding of your medication regimen and considering some safety practices.
Creating a master list of any drugs you are taking can be a lifesaver and a time saver. It should include over the counter (OTC) medications, prescriptions, vitamins and supplements. When you create your list, here is some information to consider including.
Make note of what you are taking the medication for on your master list. Many drugs may be approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for more than one condition and in some cases a drug may be prescribed for an “off-label” use. It is also important to know that vitamins and supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same manner as prescription and OTC drugs. Further explanation of the extent and limits of FDA regulations with vitamins and supplements can be found here.
Knowing how and what frequency/time medication should be taken should not be overlooked. For instance, some should be taken with food while others on an empty stomach or with a certain amount of water. It may be important to take it in the morning or in the evening, or in relation to having a meal. These details can impact the efficacy and safety of the drug.
If you are taking multiple medications (again, OTC, prescription, vitamins and supplements) be sure your healthcare provider(s) and pharmacist(s) are aware of all of them. If you have multiple providers and/or pharmacists, it is up to you to make certain they have the information. This helps reduce the risk of negative interactions.
Side effects may not be something you choose to capture on your list, BUT it is important to be aware of potential side-effects. If you have been prescribed a new medication or added something new to your regimen, make note of any unwanted or unexpected changes since starting it. While common side effects and more severe side effects are noted on the drug sheet, as individuals we may have a unique response not listed.
This last one also may not be something you capture on your list. It might not even be something you care to explore at all. However, if you are curious to learn a little more about how the medication functions in your body, you might explore drug classes. Drug classes offer insight to what the drug does to your body, how your body responds, and the chemical make-up of the drug.
How do I create this list you might be asking yourself. There are numerous ways to approach it. There is always good old fashioned pen and paper (just make sure you remember where you keep it). You might consider a document in Excel or Word on your computer or you could also use Google Docs or Sheets—all of which can be easily updated. Google Docs & Sheets can also be stored and accessed on your phone making it handy for a lot of us. Additionally, GoodRx Health shared 6 medication reminder apps to help stay on track with taking your medications as well as provide some of the information mentioned above.
I encourage you to use whatever method works best for you. If you’re not sold on the idea of a list, I hope this has sparked some interest in spending time getting to know your medications, OTC drugs, vitamins and supplements, all of which play an important role in managing our health.