Have a “Brown-Bag Check Up”

Lugging every pill you take to your next doctor’s appointment or trip to the pharmacist might seem like overkill, but it could save your life—especially if you take multiple drugs or supplements .

At least once yearly, gather every prescription and over-the-counter drug you take, including drops and ointments, as well as every dietary supplement, vitamin, mineral, or herbal remedy you use, and bring them all to your doctor or pharmacist.

During that review, often called a “brown-bag checkup,” the doctor or pharmacist should check to see whether any interact with each other or whether you’re unnecessarily taking different drugs to treat the same problem.

Medicines can improve the quality of life, but they can also pose serious risks, if not taken properly.

You, your doctor and your pharmacist are a team, working to maximize the benefits of your medication while minimizing the risk.

Here is what YOU can do to ensure proper medication management: 

  • Have all your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy every time. This makes it possible for them to check for drug interactions.
  • Take your medication as prescribed
  • Don’t wait until you’re out of medicine to order refill
  • Review your medication annually

It’s important to purchase prescription products only from a reputable pharmacy and pharmacist with whom you’re familiar. According to the International Medical Products Anti-Counterfeiting Taskforce (IMPACT), more than 50% of medicines bought on the Internet from sites that conceal their actual physical address are counterfeit. To find an approved Internet pharmacy, go to https://nabp.pharmacy/programs/vipps/vipps-accredited-pharmacies-list/

http://www.cnbc.com/id/44759526

A medication review is suggested when:

  • You are over 75
  • Taking prescription medication
  • Recently hospitalized and taking hospital-prescribed medication
  • Taking multiple medications
  • Taking medications for a long term illness such as: asthma, arthritis, diabetes or other chronic illness
  • Taking medications that are difficult for you to take as prescribed such as: hard to swallow or take multiple times a day (alternate medications maybe available for you)

If you or a loved one are in need of assistance with activities of daily living or help in monitoring other health concerns, CNAs and HHAs are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for all ages and levels of care. Granny NANNIES believes in treating clients with the highest level of respect and dignity and maintains the commitment to excellence that it was founded upon in 1990. For quality, trustworthy, reliable and affordable care, Granny NANNIES is there.

Call 800-316-2669 for more information about hiring a professional care provider or utilizing other home health care services. http://www.grannynannies.com