PHARMACISTS HELP PATIENTS NAVIGATE POLYPHARMACY

Whether you have a row of prescription bottles lined up on the counter or an overstuffed medicine cabinet, it can feel overwhelming to keep it all straight. The right dose of the right medication at the right time, taken the right way, and combine that with the risk that one medication might interact with another, then suddenly even the tiniest pill can cause a big problem.

Adam Somers, pharmacist and owner at Shoppers Drug Mart on Almon Street in Halifax, says compliance tends to be the trickiest for seniors.

“The main challenge we see is not remembering to take the medication,” explains Somers. “If you’re having trouble, talk about it with your pharmacist because there are ways we can help.”

He says sometimes it’s a matter of more clearly communicating when and how to take a certain medication — before bed, with food or on an empty stomach — and even writing down a schedule. Another option is for your pharmacist to make custom blister packs that contain the proper dosages. Somers says seniors’ medication troubles are the result of polypharmacy — when a patient is using multiple medications simultaneously. While it’s pretty natural for seniors to require more medications as they age, it means there are more opportunities for drug interactions.

Whenever you pick up a prescription, Somers says it’s a good idea to ask your pharmacist one important question: “Is this OK with my other medications?”

“We always check, it’s part of what we do, but it’s always worth asking the question, especially if you’ve recently started taking an over-thecounter medication, vitamin, or natural health product that isn’t on your profile,” says Somers.

Drug interactions aren’t limited to prescriptions. If you’re stopping by the pharmacy to pick up an over-the-counter product, like cold medication, Somers says it’s smart to check with the pharmacist to make sure it won’t interact with your other medications.

“The first thing I’d ask is ‘Are you on other medications?’ and the second thing I’d ask is ‘Do you have any other medical conditions or allergies?’” says Somers. “Sometimes you’re not on a medication that would cause issues, but you have a condition that could mean it’s not a good idea to buy a particular product.”

Remember that if you’re taking vitamins or holistic products, Somers says, they are considered to be medication with the potential for interactions and side effects and your pharmacist needs to know. Sometimes a patient will dutifully fill a prescription and take the medication long after their body stops needing it, so it’s important to take control of your medication and feel comfortable asking questions. Whenever you visit your physician, Somers recommends asking them about your medications and if you still require each one. He says he’s seen patients who are taking five different blood pressure medications and not all of them were necessary.

It’s not always easy or fast to get in to see your family doctor, so keep in mind that your pharmacist is an important part of your health care team. If you’re not sure about a particular medication or suspect you’re having side effects, your pharmacist can help.

Once you’re back at home with your prescription, Somers says to call the pharmacy if you have any concerns or questions.

“If your medication looks different than it used to, call us. It could be because it’s a different brand or a different strength, but we will want to check on that for you,” says Somers.

“We would always want you to call, always. That’s why we’re here.”