For many years I was a caregiver and advocate for my family and friends. I discovered that taking their medications correctly was one of the main problems. The struggle occurred mostly because they were often taking multiple medications prescribed by numerous physicians, and using various pharmacies to fill their prescriptions.
This resulted in either missing medications, or taking them incorrectly, to simply becoming frustrated and not taking them at all. This was especially true for my mother who was on 16 prescription and 6 over-the-counter medications when I decided to design a medication chart to assist her. That developed into a healthcare and medication system, easy-to-use spiral notebook. This can be seen on www.mymedmanager.com or on www.youtube.com/mymedmanager.
Medications can be very beneficial, but to get the most benefit, they must be taken properly. Following instructions from the prescribing physician is extremely important, but reading and understanding the warning labels placed by the manufacturer is just as important.
For example, many people think if the warning label says, “take with food,” it is to prevent getting an “upset stomach.” Therefore, many will ignore that warning label and take it on an empty stomach because they believe they have stomachs “made of steel.” What they may not realize is, in many cases, food helps to increase the absorption of the medication. There are numerous examples of this type of confusion.
My experience with working with individuals has shown me that when using a tool such as the mymedmanager medication chart, the simple act of filling out the form after reading the instructions carefully on the bottle and warning labels affixed can make a huge difference in their adherence.
The next important step is for the patient to take their medication chart to all their physicians. Ask them to review their meds and make a copy for their files. Someday we will be able to retrieve things electronically, but for now, we must rely on the patient to know what they are taking and why.
Having the medication chart creates a team among the patient, the physician, and the pharmacist. My mother always took her chart with her to the pharmacy before purchasing over-the-counter medications, and asked for advice.
In my opinion, pharmacists have the even more knowledge about medications than the prescribing physician because they deal with meds all day long; plus most pharmacies have the software programs that can check prescription drugs, including over-the-counter medications, herbals, etc., quickly to assist the pharmacist. Their time is valuable, and I suggest we use their brains and not just their hands for counting out pills.
So, the best advice I can give to all readers of this blog is to make a complete list of your medications, indicate if you are allergic to any meds or foods, a list of who to contact in case of an emergency, and your insurance information. Keep a copy at home and one in your wallet. The life you save may be your own.
Please visit www.mymedmanager.com and see if the notebook would be of benefit to you or someone you know.