Give your meds an annual review
Make sure your treatment plan is still the best one for you.
The average older adult fills nearly 20 prescriptions a year. It's easy to lose track of what's for what. "An annual medication review with your doctor or pharmacist is an effective way to reduce the chance of taking the wrong or unneeded treatments," says Heather Free, PharmD, of the American Pharmacists Association.
"Brown bag" it
It's best to make an appointment with your doctor, pharmacist, or care team for a medication review. Tell your provider you'd like to do a "brown bag" review, where you pack up and bring in all of your prescriptions and medications in their original containers.
Make a pill card
Compile a list of all of the prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, aspirin, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Be specific and note the names and dosages.
Prepare questions
Jot down any concerns you have about whether a medication is still working, side effects, interactions with food or other medications, cost, changing dosages, refills, and so on. Taking the medication you're prescribed for the full duration is very important, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't ask questions or share concerns with your doctor or pharmacist.
Review how you're doing
How's your treatment seem to be working? If a medication is meant to control a symptom, like pain or dizziness, note on your list whether the symptom is better or worse, any new symptoms, how you're feeling in general, etc.
