Ellen Campbell-Grizzle

Many seniors with chronic illnesses struggle to take several tablets at various times each day. This is not an easy thing to do. This may be of concern especially to elderly people who are vulnerable to several problems caused by polypharmacy, the administration of many drugs together. This mixing of several drugs needs close monitoring to make sure that there is no duplication of treatment or excessive use of medication.

There are some principles that guide medication selection such as safety, tolerability, effectiveness, price and simplicity. With an ever increasing entry of new drugs into the market, there is a greater need for caution to prevent polypharmacy. Care has to be taken that brand name drugs and their generic counterpart are not prescribed at the same time. There are 'me too' drugs that mimic existing products with only slight variations. Combination products may contain one ingredient that is the same as a single preparation that you may be taking. It is possible to cull out medication overlaps and also save you money.

Notice changes

Ultimately, the goal of your treatment is to improve the quality of your life. This is best achieved by choosing the best fit of medication and lifestyle changes. Every change that you notice is important. For instance, some seniors complain that their food has a different taste. Although ageing may affect taste and smell, medication also affects these senses. Clinical studies implicate over 250 drugs in the altering of the taste sensation. These include products that lower lipids, antihistamines, anticonvulsants, anti-inflammatory, asthma remedies, antidepressants and muscle relaxants. However, not all drugs within each class have this effect so that options may be available for you.

The good news is that you can help to prevent polypharmacy yourself with a little education and preparation. Here are some simple tips to follow:

1. Always read labels. They may tip you off to possible drug interactions.

2. Use only one pharmacy to fill prescriptions, if possible.

3. Learn your medications by name and use.

4. Make a list of all your medications including the pill strength and dose, herbal products, vitamins, and over-the-counter drugs. Update it after every doctor's visit.

5. Carry your medications list everywhere. Take your list on every doctor and pharmacy visit, along with the pill bottles.

6. If you have more than one doctor or pharmacist, make sure each one knows what the other is prescribing and dispensing.

7 Ask your pharmacist to run your medication list through drug interactions screening to identify possible problems, especially if you are on five or more drugs.

8. Avoid combination products such as cold formulas. Ask your pharmacist to help you find a product just for the symptoms you are experiencing, not for every possible symptom.

9. Never take a new drug without asking your pharmacist about its side effects and interactions with other drugs.

10. Get familiar with your medications. Learn about them from your physician or pharmacist, learn to use references designed for the consumer. Books about prescription drugs are also available.