Better health through better communications: Managing prescriptions with your doctor and pharmacist

Gus Manocchia, M.D.
Posted 1/20/15

Whether or not you set New Year’s Resolutions, it’s hard not to think about healthy (or not-so-healthy) habits in January.

Countless articles, experts and even commercials remind us to get …

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Better health through better communications: Managing prescriptions with your doctor and pharmacist

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Whether or not you set New Year’s Resolutions, it’s hard not to think about healthy (or not-so-healthy) habits in January.

Countless articles, experts and even commercials remind us to get more exercise and scale back on treats after holiday indulgences. But what about more routine aspects of our health, like managing prescriptions? It’s easy to overlook, but it can make all the difference.

Medication adherence, or compliance, is how closely you follow your prescriptions and medical advice. Strong adherence can make all the difference when managing a chronic condition or treating a temporary medical issue.

Missing a single dose may not seem significant, but for some drugs the impact can be serious – even dangerous. Varying the dosage on your own, even slightly, can have unintended consequences.

So how can you better manage your prescriptions this year? Start with these tips to make sure you’re coordinating closely with your doctor and pharmacist, and keep the lines of communication open.

Keep an updated medication list

Start keeping a clear list of all your medications (both prescription and over-the-counter), plus any supplements or vitamins you take. Be sure to include the name of the medication – including the brand name and the active ingredient, dosage, frequency with which you take it, and purpose or diagnosis.

Bring this list with you to any medical appointments, and review it with your doctor or nurse practitioner as well as your pharmacist. Talk through it together regularly, and pay special attention if you’re starting a new medication or notice any new symptoms or side effects.

Check for both food and drug interactions

Most people know to ask about drug interactions, and doctors and pharmacists know what to look out for when prescribing or filling a new medication. But, did you know that what you eat or drink can also impact the way that many medications work for you?

One well-known example is the “grapefruit juice effect.” Drinking grapefruit juice is not recommended with many prescriptions, because a substance in the juice actually increases the absorption of many medications by your intestinal tract. Ask your doctor of pharmacist about specific food interactions with your medications.

Recognize symptoms to minimize side effects

Before you start a new medication, ask about possible side effects, and pay attention to your body to see if you notice anything different once you start taking it. Even if it’s a symptom you may not have discussed, be sure to raise it with your doctor or pharmacist.

Also consider how long you’ve been on prescriptions for chronic conditions. Your body can adjust and the way you metabolize drugs can shift as you age. It’s possible to develop side effects years into a medication regimen – particularly for seniors.

Consider generics

According to the FDA, there are generic options available for the vast majority of approved drugs. These are just as effective, while costing anywhere from 20 to 70 percent less than the brand-name versions.

Create a clear schedule

Working with your doctor and pharmacist, the next step may be to write out a daily medication schedule, with notes about which medications to take together (or not), how they should be timed around sleeping or meals, and any food interactions you may need to consider.

Even if you don’t use it day-to-day, working through a schedule with you healthcare providers will help you be sure you understand the big picture, and ensure that your doctor and pharmacist are on the same page.

Ask about integrated pharmacist programs at your doctor’s office

Some primary care practices are integrating pharmacists into their offices so that doctors, pharmacists and patients can work together more directly. If you have Medicare, ask at your doctor’s office whether a program like this is available to you.

Gus Manocchia, M.D., is the chief medical officer for Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island.

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