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Questions I and My Family Should Ask?

What actions should I take after reviewing this section?

If new symptoms appear after starting a medication, check whether it is a side effect and discuss it with your doctor.
Always consult your doctor before stopping any medication.
If you need to stop a medication, ensure whether it should be tapered gradually.
Check whether your doctor can reduce the frequency of your doses. The fewer doses, the higher the likelihood of adherence.
Ask your doctor if the same medication can treat two conditions at once.
Always inform your doctor about any over-the-counter medications or supplements you take.
Include supplements such as fiber, teas, or home remedies.
Make sure medications are labeled with both the brand name and generic name to avoid confusion.
Bring all your medications to any medical visit, including family doctor, pharmacist, or geriatric specialist.

What Does Taking Many Medications Mean?

It may be necessary to take multiple medications despite their number.
This section focuses on medications that may be unnecessary or potentially harmful.
Some medications benefit some older adults but can be harmful to others, as bodies respond differently.
Even if you take many medications, they may be essential for your health.
Never start or stop a new medication without first consulting your doctor.

Why Is Taking Multiple Medications Risky?

There is a higher chance of side effects and drug interactions.
Taking many medications can reduce adherence to proper use.
It can cause other problems such as increased risk of falls, fatigue, or prolonged hospital stays.
Fat accumulation increases with age, and kidney and liver function decline.
Older adults process medications differently than younger adults.

Why Is Polypharmacy Still a Problem?

Review all medications at each doctor visit.
Fat accumulation increases and liver/kidney function decreases with age, affecting how drugs work.
Some older adults take over-the-counter or herbal medications without consulting a doctor.
Some use multiple pharmacies, which may cause errors or long-term medication use risks.
Some take medications for years without knowing why.
As people age, chronic diseases overlap, making treatment complex.
Most drug studies exclude older adults, so applying these studies may lead to different effects and complications.

What If I Need to Take These Medications?

Always check with your healthcare team before making changes.
Even if taking many medications, they may be necessary for your health.
Never stop medications abruptly.
Avoid taking medications only to treat side effects of another drug.
Family doctors or pharmacists are excellent resources to learn more and answer questions.

Why Is Medication Management Complex? What Can Be Done to Simplify It?

Older adults are expected to take medications on schedule and track doses.
They must also follow instructions for medications taken only as needed and those taken with food or water.
A practical solution is using pill organizers.
Pill organizers sort tablets into compartments, making it easy to see which pills to take at specific times.
They are low-cost, save time, and help your doctor know exactly what you take.
Discuss pill organizers with your family doctor or pharmacist.
Pill organizers simplify adherence by grouping medications for the correct time and day.

How Can I Improve My Medication Adherence?

Know why you take each medication and understand the most common side effects.
The less frequent the doses, the better for adherence.
Maintain normal cognitive function.
Minimize and manage chronic illnesses.
Have a family doctor or pharmacist review and simplify your medications.
Use pill organizers.
Always know why and how to take your medications correctly, which improves adherence and ensures consistent use.