Articles by Keck Insurance Agency

STAY WELL WHILE TAKING YOUR MEDICATION

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:57 AM

Did you know.....Adults over age 65 who have adverse drug reactions account for more than 177,000 emergency room visits each year? Your friends at Keck Insurance Agency located in Old Town Temecula would like to help you with some smart strategies to stay well.

One-third of these emergency visits are related to three drugs: warfarin (a blood thinner), insulin (for diabetes) and digoxin (a heart medicine). Many of these recactions can be avoided with better communication between patient and physician. Follow this advice to help you avoid becoming a statistic:

• Tell your physician about all the medicine you're taking. --That includes prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Your physician will want to make sure you're not taking anything that can cause a reaction or affect a drug's potency. For example, Ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginger, and ginseng can all interact with warfarin, as can medications taken for headaches and joint pain, such as aspirin and ibupprofen. Iron and calcium supplements can interfere with thyroid medication absorption.
• Ask questions. -- Don't be afraid to ask your physician to clarify a medication's purpose and common side effects. Also make sure you know when and how often you should take it and what to do if you miss a dose. Learn both the medicine's brand name and generic name and its shape, size and color.
• Write it down. --Keep a list of all medications you take in your wallet in case you do end up in the ER. This will allow physicians and nurses to avoid giving you medicine that could cause a dangerous interaction.
• Take your medication as prescribed. --Don't stop your treatment because you think it's not working, you have side effects or you think your pill-taking regimen is hard to stick with. Instead, call your physician. He or she may be able to prescribe a different medicine or dosage to minimize side effects or simplify your regimen. Also let your physician know if you've stopped taking a prescribed medicine. Otherwise, he or she may assume the drug isn't working and give you a higher dosage or different medication.
• Go to follow-up appointments. --Some medications, such as blood thinners and drugs for diabetes, seizures and heart problems, require regular blood tests and monitoring by your physician. Regular visits are crucial to ensure you're getting a safe and effective dose.

Your friends at Keck Insurance Agency hope these strategies are helpful to you and your family. Take Care!

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