Question:

I take four prescription medications and a number of supplements. My specialist just prescribed another daily pill. I’m worried I won’t be able to keep it all straight. Any tips?

Answer from Express Scripts Canada Pharmacist, Jessica Lau:

This question touches on a very important element of medication safety, and a growing concern especially for older patients that may take multiple medications daily. Medications can have negative interactions with each other. If two or more different doctors prescribed them, these potential interactions could get missed.

Even if your medications get along with each other, taking the wrong pill at the wrong time could lead to serious complications. Some medications should not be taken with alcohol or with certain foods. Some can make you drowsy and may affect your ability to drive or to carry out other daily activities.

Here are a few suggestions that may help you manage your medications:

• If you take more than two prescription medications, keep a list of them with you. Include over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
• Before taking a new medication, whether it is a prescription or not, talk to a pharmacist about it. Go over your list of meds with them and ask about interactions.
• Read the labels whenever you receive your medication, to make sure you know what you’re taking, and follow the instructions from your pharmacist.
• If you have unexpected side effects, consult a pharmacist or doctor, and seek medical advice before making any medication changes.
• And finally, if you have concerns, never be afraid to ask questions.

There are daily pill boxes and other tools to help you keep all your medications straight, but make sure you can tell the pills apart if you’ll be keeping them together. When in doubt, keep your prescription drugs in the original package to help you know which pill is which.

Patient safety week begins October 29th. Go to asklistentalk.ca for more information.