In the past week, have you taken a prescription or over-the-counter medication? If so, you’re in the majority: Nearly two-thirds of people in the United States use some type of medication each week.
Sometimes, it’s clear when a medicine works well, like when your headache goes away or your allergies stop bothering you. But with medications for conditions like high blood pressure or cholesterol, you’ll need your healthcare provider’s help and regular blood work to know if they’re doing their job while not causing negative side effects.
“For every medication, there should be a discussion of the benefits and the risks,” says UNC Health family medicine physician David Masuck, MD.
He offers six tips for partnering with your provider to make sure your medications are working for you.
Tip No. 1: Know what medications you’re taking—and why you take them.
At every visit with your healthcare provider, you’ll be asked for a list of the medications you take. Your provider may have the list in your medical record, but it’s still helpful if you take the time to review and update the list yourself. This is especially important if you have prescriptions from multiple providers.
If you’re starting a new medication, it might be helpful to start a document where you keep your own notes about why it was prescribed and your dosage so that you have the information handy.
Tip No. 2: Tell your doctor about over-the-counter medications and supplements, too.
Over-the-counter medications and supplements don’t require a prescription, but your doctor still needs to know everything you’re taking regularly so they can watch out for interactions.
Your provider can help you determine if there’s good evidence to take a supplement for the reason you’re taking it; if not, stopping may save you money and prevent side effects.
The same goes for any over-the-counter medication, from cold medicine to sleep aids to pain relievers.
“You don’t need to get bogged down with telling your doctor if you took an ibuprofen a few months ago, but if it’s something you’re taking more than once a month, it’s important to mention,” Dr. Masuck says. “It’s also relevant to know if an over-the-counter medication has stopped working for your symptoms.”
Tip No. 3: For new medications, ask questions about what you should expect.
If your doctor recommends a new medication, ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable taking it. You’ll want to know the goal of the medication, how long it might take to achieve that goal and risks and side effects you could encounter.
“For a side effect like drowsiness, you really need to be aware that could happen, so that you’re not operating a truck when you take the first one,” Dr. Masuck says.
You also need to know if you should make any dietary modifications and any instructions about when to take your medication so that it’s most effective; some medications need to be taken on an empty stomach, while taking medication at certain times of day might help minimize side effects.
Ask if a new medication will mean more visits with your provider; some impact things you can’t see or feel, like your blood sugar levels or organ function, and you may need more frequent blood work or check-ins.
Your pharmacist is also a good resource for questions about how to best take medication and what to expect.
Tip No. 4: Tell your doctor about your side effects.
Sometimes, your doctor will start you at a low dose of a new medication—lower than may be fully effective—to help your body get adjusted to it. Make sure you speak up about any side effects, even if you feel embarrassed. Whether it’s diarrhea or constipation, changes in sexual function or weight gain, know that your doctor has heard it all before.
“We can look at changes in your blood pressure or your lab work, but a critical piece of data is how you feel before and after starting a new medication,” Dr. Masuck says.
If you’re experiencing a side effect, talk to your doctor about how much it bothers you or if there are any other medications or lifestyle changes that might help. Know that some side effects are felt more intensely as you age.
Tip No. 5: Understand whether your medication is meant to be temporary or long-term.
Some medications are meant to be temporary, like a course of antibiotics. Others are for life, such as those you take after an organ transplant.
In the middle are many medications that can be taken for months or years, depending on your overall health, family history, age and other factors.
“Sometimes we can set a goal for getting off a medication and that works,” Dr. Masuck says. “Sometimes you can do everything right, but managing the condition won’t work without medication. You have to give yourself grace.”
Some medications stop working as well over the years, and some conditions eventually require adding another medication to get the full effect.
“With medication for high blood pressure, for example, you don’t get twice as much blood pressure control if you double your dose,” Dr. Masuck says. “You might have to be on two or three medications, and each one provides a little different benefit.”
Tip No. 6: Stay connected to your healthcare provider.
Don’t take your prescription and disappear—stay connected to the provider who prescribed it and be honest with them about your ability to take your medication as prescribed. Tell them if you’re concerned about paying for your medication.
“We’re not here to be judgmental about it, and it doesn’t hurt my feelings if you don’t like a medication,” Dr. Masuck says. “I’m here to help with what’s working and what’s not.”
If you have questions about your medications, talk to your doctor. If you need a doctor, find one near you.The post 6 Tips for Making the Most of Your Medications first appeared on UNC Health Talk.
