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Lakewood, NJ - October is “Talk About Your Prescriptions" Month. Did you know that more than half of all doctor visits result in a being written? According to the National Center for Health Statistics, that makes prescription medications the most common form of medical intervention – not surprising when you consider the numbers of people taking medicine in this country.
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, at least half of all Americans take one or more prescription drugs, and one in six take three or more. Those figures jump for when it comes to those 65 and older, with five out of six people taking at least one medication, and nearly half taking three or more.
October is “Talk About Your Prescriptions” Month; it’s a good time to review safe techniques to manage your medications.
“With an increasing number of people taking multiple medications, it’s vital for all of us to know how to use, take and store our medications properly,” says Kim Walsh, Director of Pharmacy Services at Kimball Medical Center in Lakewood and the Saint Barnabas Behavioral Health Center in Toms River.
According to Walsh, if you take several prescriptions on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to keep a medication list. “Keep a written record – with information on the dosage and frequency – for all medications that you use, including any over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, vitamins, and even herbal remedies. It can be a helpful healthcare tool,” she adds.
“Whenever your doctor prescribes a new medication, review the list with him or her, and be sure to ask whether it’s safe to take this newest medication in conjunction with your current regime,” she adds, “including the vitamins, herbal therapies and supplements.”
Too often, patients assume that over-the-counter medications or herbal remedies are “safe”, simply because they are widely available and accessible. Unfortunately, according to Walsh, that is not always the case.
“Some over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements can have a negative impact on the effectiveness of prescription medications. Common antacids, for example, can reduce the effectiveness of certain antibiotics and should not be taken together,” she says. “Saint John’s Wort, an herbal supplement meant to improve your mood, should not be taken along with antidepressants,” she adds. Walsh stresses that talking openly with your doctor can help discern whether there are specific over-the-counter medications you should avoid when taking certain prescription drugs. She also notes that sticking to one pharmacy for all your over-the-counter medications and prescriptions is one of the best safety mechanisms there is in monitoring for drug interactions and possible side affects.
When you’re given a prescription, Walsh also stresses that it is important to understand the dosage instructions. “Be sure to find out whether the drug should be taken with food, with milk or other fluids, or should be taken on an empty stomach. Not following the dosage instructions can result in a medication being less effective, causing complications or unpleasant side effects,” she explains.
Some foods and beverages are off-limits when taking certain medications, she notes. “Grapefruit juice, a favorite among older adults, for instance, can interact with a number of medications and render them ineffective,” she says. “Again, it’s important to speak up and ask questions. It’s always a good idea to double check with your doctor or pharmacist for any special dosage instructions or requirements,” she adds. According to Walsh, that also includes asking about side effects you can expect.
“Make sure you ask your doctor or pharmacist about the possibility of side effects for any new medications they may prescribe,” she adds. Some prescription medications call for patients to avoid heat, cold or sun when taking them. According to Walsh, many medications can cause “photosensitivity,” or increased sensitivity to sunlight. “Even if you don’t typically sunburn, taking medications that cause this reaction could greatly increase your chances of getting a sunburn and your risk for skin cancer,” she says. “In addition, it may be necessary to avoid the use of saunas, hot tubs and even strenuous exercise when taking certain prescription medications,” she adds.
Another concern when it comes to medication use, according to Walsh, is proper storage. “Because of moisture and heat, it is best not to store medicines in the bathroom,” she says. “Instead opt for a cool, dry location, out of direct sunlight,” she adds.
During “Talk About Prescriptions Month,” take a few minutes to make a list of the medications, vitamins, herbal remedies and supplements you may be taking as well as dosage information, and bring it along the next time you visit the doctor. Following these simple guidelines can help you effectively manage your medications, and keep you safe, healthy and free of medication-related complications.
According to Walsh, a registered pharmacist for 28 years, medication management in Kimball Medical Center’s pharmacy is computerized under the state-of-the-art Pyxis system. “This system enables Kimball’s Pharmacy to ensure effective medication management and the highest level of patient safety,” says Walsh. “The system allows the Pharmacy to stock medication in ATM-type dispensing machines on all nursing units with the most common medications used on each unit,” she says. “When a doctor prescribes medication, the pharmacist enters that prescription into the hospital’s pharmacy computer system, which interfaces with the Pyxis machines. Nurses then use a fingerprint-scanning keypad to access the dispensing machines.”
While Walsh says there are numerous advantages to the Pyxis system, the most important is patient safety. “The Pyxis system streamlines the dispensing process, but truthfully, the greatest benefit to this advanced technology is the fact that it enables us to provide the highest level of care and safety to our patients,” she adds.
For more information on managing your medications, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. If you would like a free Health Information Wallet Card from Kimball Medical Center to help you keep track of your medications, please call the Saint Barnabas Health Care Link at 1-888-SBHS-123 (888-724-7123).
Date: October 28, 2008
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director, Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@sbhcs.com
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