5 ways to get smarter with medication
February 1 marked the beginning of American Heart Month, an annual initiative declared by President Obama to help raise awareness of the dangers of cardiovascular disease, which remains the number one health issue for Americans.
According to the American Heart Association, nearly 85.6 million Americans are living with some form of cardiovascular disease or the after-effects of stroke. What's more, the organization also reported that the direct and indirect costs of cardiovascular diseases and stroke total more than $320 billion.
This vital awareness month should not only open up our eyes to what cardiovascular disease is and how it can affect each of us and our loved ones, but it should serve as a reminder to pay more attention to our overall health – which also includes our medication adherence.
With Pennsylvania residents spending over $11 billion on prescriptions in 2014 and 4 in 10 Americans regularly taking prescriptions, it's crucially important to know how to use medications safely and effectively in order to treat cardiovascular disease and other health issues. Here are five tips to help you become wiser medication users and save money on your prescriptions when possible this year:
1. Know which medicines you're taking – and why you're taking them
Knowing the name of your medicine is important – whether it's the generic name or the brand name. Keep in mind that some brand names are actually a combination of more than one product. Also, make sure you list the complete name of the medication, including any extra initials that may follow it, such as XR ("extended release") or LA ("long acting"). These initials can help provide further information about the medicine.
In addition, you should always keep an up-to-date list of your medications with you in case of an emergency, or for when you visit your doctor or pharmacist. All of your healthcare providers should be aware of the medicines you take, including any over-the-counter products, herbals and vitamins. It is also helpful for you and them to know why you are taking your medications, as some medicines can have multiple uses. This can help to avoid drug duplication.
Lastly, keep a list of your allergies with you as well, so that your healthcare providers are aware of any medicines you may need to avoid.
2. Know how and when to take your medicine, and for how long
Make sure you understand the proper use of your medications – including dosage, timing of administration, and length of therapy. Some medicines are taken "PRN," which means to use as needed, such as for pain symptoms that may come and go. Others should be taken daily, even if you feel no symptoms. Antibiotics, for example, need to be taken for their full course – even if you feel better – in order to completely kill off the bacteria causing your infection.
You should also find out if you can take your medicine with food, or if it is best to use it on an empty stomach. If swallowing is a problem, ask about alternative dosage forms, such as liquids or patches, or ask if the medicine can be crushed and placed into food. Note that some medications, such as extended release products, should never be crushed.
3. Learn to recognize side effects and know what to do about them
The list of potential side effects associated with a medicine can sometimes be overwhelming. Focus on the most common ones you may encounter, how to minimize them, and how to recognize the rare, but serious side effects that you need to report. If you are unsure about something, you should always ask your doctor or pharmacist. If you experience any side effects, it's generally recommended that you not stop taking the medicine unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider.
4. Do not share or borrow medicines
Your medicines are meant for your use and should not be shared. Variations in kidney, liver and even lung function can alter the way different people react to the same medications, and your physician has prescribed your medicine to you with these factors in mind. Sharing medicines can only lead to problems.
5. Explore ways to reduce your medicine bill, but maintain quality
Medicine can be expensive, and often varies in price from one pharmacy to another. In addition, all insurances don't cover all medications the same way. FamilyWize.org has a useful (and free) Drug Price Lookup Tool that can help you compare the price of prescriptions in your area. In addition, you should also always ask your pharmacist about any generic medications that may be equally effective as a brand name product, but significantly cheaper.
Prescription savings cards are another useful way to save money on your medication. FamilyWize.org offers a free prescription savings card anyone can use. In 2015, the card saved users an average of 43% and has saved an average of 36% on heart medications specifically. There are other cards available as well – find the one that offers you the best savings!
Consumers looking to use online prescription drug sites need to be aware of sites that are not reputable. Always look for the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) insignia on the website to ensure quality. The VIPPS program is part of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, and accredits online pharmacies that dispense prescription drugs. You should also make sure the site asks for a prescription from a doctor before filling your medication, and that there is a pharmacist on call to answer questions.
Linda Bernstein, Pharm.D. is a volunteer Clinical Professor at the School of Pharmacy, University of California, San Francisco. She is an award-winning pharmacist and medical media communicator who specializes in the education of consumers and patients about the safe, effective and economical use of medicines. She is representing FamilyWize, a Lehigh Valley-based community service partnership dedicated to improving the overall health and well-being of individuals, families and communities.