Most seniors depend on prescription drugs to protect health and well-being. However, common concerns among seniors on prescription drugs include the rising cost of medications, the risk of harmful side effects and possible drug interactions. Thankfully, there are several ways to address these issues and ensure that seniors on prescription drugs receive the care and attention they deserve.

Help with the Rising Cost of Prescription Drugs

The rising cost of prescription medications is a common problem among the elderly population. Since some drugs are expensive or not covered on certain insurance plans, more and more seniors are unable to access essential medications. While some payment issues may be resolved by speaking with insurance agents or pharmacists, many seniors are left to pay out of pocket for costly medications. Thankfully, eDrugSearch.com can help. eDrugSearch.com allows seniors and other individuals to compare drug prices and access safe and affordable prescription medications.

Preventing Harmful Drug Interactions

Since many seniors are prescribed multiple medications, the risk of drug interactions among the elderly population is quite high. In fact, studies show that approximately 100,000 seniors, ages 65 and over, receive emergency care each year as a result of adverse drug reactions to prescription drugs. However, legislation such as New York’s Collaborative Drug Therapy Management, or CDTM, law is designed to protect the patient by reducing the risk of drug interactions.

The CDTM can prevent harmful drug interactions in a number of ways. First of all, the law allows pharmacists to access and analyze a patient’s drug therapy and make recommendations accordingly. Secondly, with the help of collaborating physicians and medical facilities, the CDTM states that New York pharmacists may write prescriptions for certain medications.

Legislation like New York’s Collaborative Drug Therapy Management law can provide significant benefits for seniors on prescription drugs. Because laws of this kind are designed to promote the safe and appropriate use of prescription medications, seniors are better-protected against adverse reactions and harmful prescription drug interactions. Plus, these types of programs promote specialized care for seniors, which can help ensure the effective management of illness and disease.

Managing Symptoms and Side Effects

When it comes to side effects, it’s important for seniors to report any and all adverse drug reactions to their physicians so that proper adjustments can be made. Since many senior citizens take a variety of daily medications, tracking symptoms and effects can be difficult. Making a list of symptoms and side effects may be helpful as can getting the full run-down on all your medications so that you’re better able to watch out for potential reactions.

Prescription Drug Safety Tips

The following tips, brought to you by eDrugSearch.com, can help seniors on prescription drugs protect their own safety as well as boost the effectiveness of their medications.

• Speak up. Seniors on prescription drugs shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions concerning their medications. This is especially true in the event of side effects or possible drug interactions, but seniors should feel comfortable speaking to their doctors and pharmacists should any questions arise.
• Take medications at the right time of day. Since most medications are designed to work over a 24-hour period, it’s important to take dosages at the right times. This can promote maximum effectiveness and prevent the onset of potentially-harmful symptoms. To ensure that medications are taken correctly, sign up for a free reminder at eDrugSearch.com.
• Take all medications as instructed. It’s important for seniors on prescription drugs to follow dosing instructions. Also, in the event of mild side effects, talk to a doctor before discontinuing use.
• Have all medications filled in one place. Using multiple pharmacies can increase a patient’s risk of drug interactions. Avoid this by using one pharmacy for all your prescription needs.
• Store medications in a safe place. To protect the potency of prescription drugs, store prescription drugs in a dry, preferably dark area.
• Use caution when taking over-the-counter medications. While OTC medications, such as pain relievers or antihistamines, are usually considered safe for seniors on prescription drugs, they can interact with certain types of prescriptions. To avoid these interactions, speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medications.
• Ask a doctor or pharmacist about possible interactions with food and beverages. Like over-the-counter medications, certain foods and beverages can interact with prescription drugs. Prevent these potentially-harmful complications by asking which foods and beverages, if any, will cause adverse reactions when mixed with your prescription medications.

About this Angie’s List Expert: Cary Byrd is the president and founder of eDrugSearch.com. Based in San Antonio, eDrugSearch.com is a free cost comparison engine that helps consumers get safe access to affordable medications and advocates licensed online pharmacies as a widely accepted alternative.