INSURANCE

Q: My mother takes eight different prescriptions every day. How can I help her avoid drug interactions? A: Drug interactions can be a real concern for anyone who regularly takes a number of prescription medications on a daily basis. But, you can take steps to reduce the risks. Your pharmacists and doctors are your first line of defense. They are well-trained to review your medications and prevent drug interactions. Your first step should be to discuss your concerns with them and they will let you know if there is anything in particular you should watch for including potential side effects or adverse reactions. Be sure you know what each prescription is for. Here are some additional tips: 1. Tell your physician, dentist and pharmacist whenever you start or stop a medication, including any over-the-counter medicines, herbal supplements and vitamins. Keep an updated list of meds, including nonprescription drugs. Be sure to share the list with your doctors, dentist and other health care providers. 2. Keep all of your prescriptions at one pharmacy. By doing this, a regular drug review and drug interaction screen can be done electronically that includes all of your medicines. 3. Use measuring spoons, not household tableware to measure liquid doses. Do not crush, cut, chew or mix your medicine with liquids unless instructed to do so. 4. Follow directions for storing your prescriptions. Some need to be refrigerated. 5. Be aware of any food and beverage interactions. Common food items involved in drug interactions include foods rich in vitamin K, citrus juices like grapefruit juice and some calcium rich foods. 6. Be honest with your physician about your use of caffeine, alcohol or illegal drugs. Your doctor cannot treat you properly if you are not honest with him or her. 7. Review the information that is provided with your prescription on possible interactions. Ask questions if you are concerned or don’t quite understand the medical jargon. For questions concerning health insurance, including Individual, Group, Medicare Advantage Plans or Medicare Supplements, please call me at 440-255-5700 or email me at Lmutsko@mutskoinsurance.com.