Introduction
A patient may use multiple medications to address the same disease. Taking many medications to address multiple health issues is also possible. For instance, patients might use a statin to lower cholesterol and a beta-blocker to manage their blood pressure. Many older people have many health issues. As a result, individuals are more likely to take many medications. Although medications are meant to treat various ailments and improve the quality of life, using them incorrectly or combining specific medications and supplements can be harmful. Elderly people are more likely to have adverse side effects because they frequently have many medical issues and may take numerous medications.
What Are Medicines?
Drugs, often known as medicines, are prescribed or used to treat various illnesses and disorders. Medicines can be purchased with or without a prescription (OTC). Inhalers for asthma or pills to decrease cholesterol are examples of prescription medications that can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription. Over-the-counter drugs, such as Aspirin or lubricating eye drops, can be acquired without a prescription. Due to their lack of a medical purpose (i.e., to prevent or treat disease), dietary supplements are not regarded as medications. Instead, these supplements are meant to keep people healthy or make them healthier, and they could even help with the critical vitamins and minerals a person needs every day. In order to develop strong bones, for instance, calcium and vitamin D can be helpful. Combining some prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional supplements, or other treatments can be risky. For instance, if a patient takes Warfarin for cardiac issues, they should not take Aspirin. Consult a doctor about all medications used, including those given by other medical professionals, OTC medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal therapies, to avoid any potential major health complications. Mention all of them, including the ones a patient hardly ever uses.
What Are the Risks of Taking Medicines?
The more medications a patient takes, the more cautiously they must be used. The hazards of taking several medications are numerous.
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The patient may be more susceptible to negative effects. The likelihood of experiencing side effects increases with the number of medications they take because most medications have potentially negative effects. The risk of falling can also rise when using certain medications.
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Drug interactions are more likely to occur with patients. This is known as an interaction when one medication influences how another one functions. For instance, when two medications are combined, one may strengthen the other. Alcohol and even some foods and medicines can interact. Some interactions have the potential to be catastrophic, even fatal.
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The patient may take medication that is unnecessary. This can occur more frequently if they visit more than one healthcare professional. Different medications may be administered by a doctor for the same issue.
Who Are at Higher Risk of Experiencing Adverse Effects Due to Drug Interactions?
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The likelihood of interactions or negative effects increases when patients take more medications. Additionally, it could be difficult for a patient to recall all potential drug interactions.
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Those who take medications recommended by multiple providers. It is possible that a particular physician is unaware that a patient is taking medication prescribed by another.
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In older people, the patient's body processes medication differently as they age. For instance, renal function may not be as good as it once was. This may imply that more medication stays in their system for a longer period of time. This may result in potentially harmful drug levels in the body.
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In the hospital, patients will probably interact with fresh medical professionals unfamiliar with the patient's medical history. They might prescribe a medication without knowing this, one that might interact with other patients already on it.
How Can Patients Taking Multiple Medications Prevent Medication Errors?
1. Ensure that physicians are informed of all medications that patients are taking.
This includes pharmaceuticals, both prescribed and over-the-counter, as well as nutritional supplements like vitamins and herbs.
2. When visiting the doctor, bring the patient's medications and dietary supplements.
The patient and the doctor can discuss the patient's medications. Additionally, it can assist doctors in maintaining current patient records and providing higher-quality care.
3. Make sure the doctor is aware of any allergies and negative drug responses the patient may have experienced. This can aid patients in avoiding receiving harmful medications.
4. Make sure the patient can read the prescription before the doctor signs it.
If patients are unable to read the prescription. The patient's pharmacist may be able to read the doctor's handwriting.
5. Ask the patient if they have any queries concerning the instructions provided on their medication labels. Understanding drug labels can be challenging. For instance, inquire whether "four times daily" refers to taking a dose every six hours during ordinary waking hours or outside of those times.
6. For the best tool to measure liquid medications, see the pharmacist.
As an illustration, many people use ordinary teaspoons, which frequently do not carry a true teaspoon of liquid. Special equipment like marked syringes assists people in measuring the proper dose.
7. Ask the doctor to describe the treatment regimen the patient will adhere to at home when the patient is discharged from the hospital. This involves obtaining knowledge about new medications, ensuring that patients know the proper time to schedule follow-up appointments, and determining when they can resume their regular activities. It is crucial to determine whether the patient should continue taking the medications they were taking before their hospital stay. A misunderstanding of the guidelines could lead to an unplanned hospital visit.
What Are the Side Effects of Taking Multiple Medications?
Side effects are unwanted or unexpected symptoms or feelings a patient experiences after taking medication. Minor side effects like a headache or dry mouth can occur. For example, major bleeding or injury to the liver or kidneys might be fatal. Some drugs' negative effects can potentially impair a person's ability to drive.
Some side effects may occur when a patient begins taking medication, but they eventually disappear. However, some adverse effects could persist while the patient takes the drug. If a patient experiences unpleasant side effects, they should not discontinue taking their medication before speaking with a healthcare professional. Make a note of them so the patient can accurately report them to their doctor or pharmacist.
Conclusion
For older people, polypharmacy, the use of numerous medicines to address illnesses and other health issues, is of growing concern. Because they frequently have many concurrent illnesses or other health issues, people over 65 tend to take more medications than any other age group. Keeping track of many medications may be expensive and challenging, especially for individuals confined to their homes or living in remote places. The chance of adverse reactions and other unforeseen issues can also rise when taking many drugs.
Discuss with the healthcare provider whether any medications could be safely reduced or stopped or if a patient is worried that they are taking too many medicines.
