5 Steps to Managing Medications and Supplements

Medication Statistics

82% of American adults take at least one medication and 29% take five or more
1.3 million emergency department visits and 350,000 hospitalizations are due to medication errors annually
$3.5 billion is spent on extra medical costs annually because of medication error
Older adults (65 years or older) are twice as likely to go to the ER for adverse drug events (over 450,000 emergency visits each year) and nearly seven times more likely to be hospitalized after an emergency visit.

Source: Center for Disease Control (CDC)

Many individuals, particularly senior adults or those with complex medication regimens, can experience confusion about when and how to take their prescriptions. This confusion may stem from factors such as having multiple medications, dosing schedules, and instructions from different healthcare providers.

Managing medications and supplements for yourself or someone else can become confusing as the number of prescriptions or supplements increases, new health challenges arise, or cognitive functioning decreases. We’ve compiled a list of 5 steps to safely manage medications and supplements.

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1. Make a master list of everything you or your loved one is taking.

Make a comprehensive list of all your medications. Include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.
Record the name of the medication, dosage, frequency, and the reason for taking it.

2. Use a pillbox or automated system.

Pill organizers can help individuals organize their medications by day and time, reducing the likelihood of missed doses or incorrect administration.

Pill organizers with compartments for different days and times can help you keep track of your medications and supplements.
Always fill the organizer at the beginning of the week. Consistency will ensure you take the right doses at the right times.
Pill organizers reduce the risk of missed or double dosages.

3. Choose one pharmacy and stick with it.

If possible, get all your medications and supplements from the same pharmacy.
Being a regular customer helps the pharmacist provide better guidance, especially in identifying drug interactions.
Many pharmacies today have automated systems that let you know a refill is due or ready to be picked up. Reminders help!

4. Communicate with your doctor.

Share all the medications and supplements you are taking with your doctor (even those not prescribed by your current healthcare provider).
Record any unusual symptoms or side effects you experience and report them to your healthcare provider.
Always check with your doctor before starting or stopping any new over-the-counter medication or supplement.

5. Discard expired medications.

Dispose of expired or unused medications. Follow disposal guidelines provided by your local pharmacy or healthcare facility.
Unnecessary medications only add clutter and confusion to your medication management system.

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Consequences of Medication Errors

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Having a medication management system in place is essential to minimize errors. Missed doses, incorrect dosages, or taking medications at the wrong times can all have serious consequences.

Hospital readmissions: When medication errors lead to worsened health conditions, individuals might require hospitalization or readmission to the hospital. Readmissions place additional stress on the patient and their caregivers.
Falls at home: Some medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or impaired coordination, which increases the risk of falls, especially among older adults . Medication errors that result in the consumption of the wrong medication or incorrect dosage can contribute to these adverse effects.
Health expenses: Medication errors can lead to worsening health conditions, which may necessitate additional medical appointments, tests, and treatments. These errors can increase healthcare expenses for the individual and the healthcare system.

Addressing medication confusion and home medication errors requires collaboration between healthcare providers, pharmacists, patients, and caregivers. By following proper medication management practices, you can avoid unnecessary health complications, expenses, and hospitalizations.

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Inspired Care Solutions can help you navigate the complexities of your medication regimen. We offer precise medication management to ease our clients’ worries and guard against complications due to prescription confusion. We can determine the best pill planner to use, organize pill planners, maintain a current list of medications, and handle prescription refills. We remove medication confusion and the worry that can come with elderly adults managing multiple prescriptions.

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