For many adults, taking more than one prescription is just a normal part of life. If you have been managing a long-term health condition, it is even more likely that you are used to managing several prescriptions at once.
But as time goes on, that list of medications can slowly grow without you even realizing it. Suddenly, you are taking a bunch of pills every day, and it’s hard to keep track of what each one does. That is when things can get confusing.
Some pills may no longer be needed. Others might be causing problems when they are taken together. This is where regular medication reviews become necessary to keep things safe and simple for you.
Below, our internists in Hobart, Indiana are going to explain the importance of reviewing your medications.
Removing medications you no longer need.
When an internist in Hobart, Indiana reviews your prescriptions, one of the first things they will look for is any medication you no longer need. You could have been prescribed something years ago that helped you then. But that medication might not be doing much anymore.
Sometimes, continuing an old medication can start to hurt more than help. It could cause side effects or add stress to your daily routine without any real benefit.
Your doctor might mention “deprescribing” to help you slowly and safely stop taking medication that is no longer necessary. Doing this can make your routine easier, lower the number of pills you take, and even save you some money.
But don’t ever try to stop medication on your own. Even if it does not seem to be working, always check in with your doctor first.
Preventing dangerous interactions.
Some medications are safe on their own. But when you start combining them with other pills, vitamins, or supplements, they can interact in dangerous ways.
For example, a supplement you bought at the store could make one of your prescriptions less effective. Or two drugs that are safe on their own could become risky when taken together. Side effects might show up out of nowhere, or the medications might become too strong.
This is why your doctor needs to know everything you are taking. Bring a full list to every appointment, including prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements, and even things like cold medicine or pain relievers you picked up at the pharmacy.
Making your routine easier.
When you are taking different medications a day, just keeping up with all of them can feel like a full-time job. You might forget a dose here and there, or you might mix up which pill to take when.
More than half of Americans take four or more prescriptions daily. That is a lot to manage.
During a medication review, your doctor might be able to reduce how frequently you need to take certain pills. In some cases, they can even combine a couple of medications into one. These changes can make your daily schedule easier to follow and less stressful.
Keeping up with changes.
Your health does not stay the same year after year, and your prescriptions should not either. Therefore, it is not enough to review your medications just once and then forget about them.
A good doctor will keep checking in to make sure your medications match your current health. Some will recommend a full medication review once a year.
That can be a great start. But the goal here is more than just checking a box. It is to make sure that you and your doctor have an ongoing process in place that keeps your care current.
When you visit the right internist in Hobart, Indiana, they will stay with you over time and monitor your changing health needs. That way, you are not left behind if something new comes up. You’ll already have a system that adjusts when you need them most.
Looking for an Affordable Internist in Hobart, Indiana?
Are you ready to meet with an internist in Hobart, Indiana who will give you clear answers about your medications? If so, 219 Health Network is the top choice. Our team of board-certified internists is here to make sure your care is safe and effective. Contact us today at 833-219-0001 to schedule your first appointment.