Let’s Talk About Your Medications
October is “Talk About Your Medicines Month.” This recognition month couldn’t be more timely this year. The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) has just released an update to its Beers Criteria® for Potentially Inappropriate Medication list of alternatives to medicines that could be harmful for older adults. It’s a good reminder to regularly review your medications with your health care provider.
Why does it matter?
Our bodies change with time, and those changes can affect the way medications work.
- A slower circulatory system can change how quickly drugs move through the body.
- Changes in liver and kidney function affect how medicines are processed and eliminated.
- Shifts in digestion influence how drugs are absorbed into the bloodstream.
Add to this the fact that many older adults manage multiple health conditions, and it’s easy to see how prescriptions and supplements can pile up. Without careful coordination, they may all interact in ways that cause more harm than good.
Dr. Noll Campbell of Purdue University, who served on the AGS expert panel, explains:
“In practice, we see the risks of potentially inappropriate medications play out in the emergency rooms, clinics, nursing homes or when families are struggling at home. Our aim with this document is to provide support … by offering clinicians, patients and families with a list of credible, actionable alternatives—whether it’s a safer medicine or a proven lifestyle approach.”
This isn’t just an academic issue. It’s something that can directly impact safety, independence, and quality of life for older adults and their families.
Tips for better communication with your doctor
The best way to prevent medication complications is to talk to your health care professionals about it at every appointment. Here are some tips for a better doctor visit.
Make a complete list. Write down everything you take—prescriptions, over-the-counter pills, vitamins, herbal remedies, and even topical creams. Bring this list with you to every appointment.
Use one pharmacy when possible. Filling prescriptions at the same pharmacy helps pharmacists catch potential drug interactions.
Ask key questions—and write them down.
- “Why am I taking this medication?”
- “Are there any side effects I should watch for?”
- “Does this interact with any of my other medicines or supplements?”
- “Could I stop taking this, or take a smaller dose?”
- “Am I taking this at the correct time of day?”
Be honest about supplements. Don’t leave out vitamins or herbal remedies just because they seem harmless. They matter, too.
Bring a family member or caregiver. Having someone with you can make it easier to take notes and remember instructions. And caregivers should also have a clear understanding of what medications you take and why.
Keep your medicine list with you. Keeping your medication list in your wallet or on your phone is useful not only for doctor visits but also in emergencies. Emergency responders need to know what you’re taking.
“Talk About Your Medicines Month” is more than a health campaign—it’s a reminder that your voice matters in your care. By staying informed, asking questions, and keeping an open line of communication with your health team, you can reduce risks, improve safety, and get the most benefit from the medications that are meant to help you.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of your health care provider.
Source: IlluminAge with information from the American Geriatrics Society.
