Specialist Pharmacy’s Post

Medication management is a complex and often complicated task for older adults. And given that at least 80% of older adults take at least 2 prescription medications each day (source noted in image), mismanaging a medication schedule can be an overlooked area of potentially life threatening concern. However, among the many things that an Independent Healthcare Advocate can help you or a family member tackle, managing and monitoring a multiple prescription schedule is a top priority! When several prescription drugs are to be taken each day in possibly multiple doses, the complexity of managing that schedule increases dramatically. Prescription drugs have very specific guidelines, and for good reason. Some need to be taken with food to increase absorption, others on an empty stomach for the same reason. Some can’t be taken together as they may increase/decrease the effects of each. Some are taken at night while others should not be taken at night. Some shouldn’t be taken with over the counter medications or with vitamin supplements. You can imagine how intricate this schedule becomes when 5 or more medications are prescribed, as is the case for 36% of older adults! To complicate matters, many older adults live alone or suffer from cognitive and sensory deficits. Many lack the funds or the ability to fill a prescription. Sometimes, it’s as simple as lacking the manual dexterity to open containers. Let’s face it, it’s unfair to expect older adults in these compromising situations to safely manage their own medication schedule. Healthcare Advocates work for you or a loved one, and will bring peace of mind to a complicated medication schedule by doing the following: • Communicating with providers and pharmacists on your behalf. • Monitoring for potential side effects. • Researching alternative medication options. • Helping to clarify a medication schedule. • Providing education. • Asking the right questions to validate adherence. • Suggesting and arranging for tools/systems to help with reminders. • Observing behavior. If there’s an older person in your life, take some time today to start a discussion about their #medications. If you hire a healthcare advocate for only one task, let this be the one. #healthcareadvocacy #patientadvocate #medicationmanagement #patientsafety #agingconcerns

🔍 Exciting Update from AEMPS: New Safety Information for February! 🔍 📢 The Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) has released crucial safety updates regarding medication use in Spain. These updates are essential for healthcare professionals and patients alike to ensure safe and effective treatment. 💊 Some key highlights from the bulletin include: - Risks associated with medications containing pseudoephedrine, valproate, mycophenolic acid, and more. - New recommendations for the use of certain medications in specific patient populations. - Important safety measures to prevent adverse reactions during medication use. 👩⚕️ Healthcare professionals are reminded of the importance of reporting suspected adverse reactions to help update drug safety information and minimize risks. 📝 For more details on the safety information and risk prevention materials, visit the AEMPS website or click the link below: https://lnkd.in/gc2rcYZF Stay informed, stay safe! 💙 #AEMPS #MedicationSafety #Healthcare #PatientCare #SafetyUpdates #Pharmacovigilance

Older adults often find themselves juggling multiple prescription medications, which can be a daunting task. The potential risks of side effects and drug interactions add to the complexity. That’s where family caregivers, in concert with the senior’s primary care doctor and pharmacist, can help the senior stay on top of things. #RightAtHome #MedicationGuide #SeniorCare https://lnkd.in/euB-cbFs

Risks of Polypharmacy : 6 Ways In-Home Care Is Beneficial

Patient Counseling Tips for Dutasteride! Sharing clear and practical advice is essential when counseling patients on medications like Dutasteride. Here’s how to approach it: 1️⃣ Always inform that pregnant women must avoid handling dutasteride capsules due to the risk of harm to an unborn male baby. 2️⃣ Explain the importance of avoiding blood donation for at least 6 months after the last dose to prevent any risk to pregnant recipients. 3️⃣ Be transparent about side effects like reduced sexual desire, ejaculation issues, erection difficulties, or chest tenderness and swelling. 4️⃣ Stress the importance of swallowing the capsule whole, as chewing or opening it may cause throat and mouth irritation. This simple yet effective counseling approach helps patients feel more confident and informed about their treatment. Patient safety and education should always be a priority. #pharmacology #clinical #pharmacy #pharmd #healthcare

Exploring OTC Medication Use Among Seniors: Key Insights from Recent Study A recent qualitative study led by Yoshita Paliwal and colleagues sheds light on the decision-making processes and perceptions related to over-the-counter (OTC) medications among adults aged 65 and older living in senior apartment communities. Key Findings: Perceptions of Safety and Effectiveness: Most seniors view OTC medications as safe and effective when used according to label instructions. There's a tendency to believe that brand-name products are more effective than generic alternatives. Decision-Making Approaches: Two main strategies for OTC medication decisions were observed: - Self-Recommendation: Many choose to treat their symptoms independently based on their own judgment. - Physician Recommendation: Others prefer to seek advice from their healthcare provider, influenced by factors such as symptom severity, financial constraints, and past experiences. Attributes Influencing Choices: The primary factors affecting OTC purchase decisions are the desire for maximum and fast relief, cost, and ease of use. Reported Issues: Aspirin and ibuprofen were commonly cited as causing adverse effects and inappropriate use among participants. Conclusions: While older adults generally have a positive view of OTC medications, there are notable issues with self-medication practices and side effects. This underscores the importance of encouraging safe and informed decision-making to improve outcomes and minimize risks. Visit www.tibpharmacy.com or call (510)-573-0064 to learn more about how we can support your well-being. Let's journey towards better health together! #TIBPharmacy #HealthAsWeAge #Multivitamins #NutritionForSeniors #LongTermCare #MedicationManagement #BetterHealth #Teamwork #TIBPharmacy #NewarkPharmacy #pharmacyservices #longtermcare #LTCPharmacyEndOfLifeCare #ltcathome #hospicespecialized #LTCPharmacy #HospicePharmacy #ltcspecialized #MedicationManagement #PackagingPower #SimplifyYourHealth #health #wellness

Epilepsy Society, Epilepsy Action, SUDEP Action, Parkinson's UK and Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMp) have urged the government to launch an urgent review of the UK’s medicines supply chain after nearly 40% of people with epilepsy responding to a charity-led survey reported having seizures induced by having to switch or skip medication. A total of 36% of people with Parkinson’s responding to the same survey said that medication shortages had led to their symptoms worsening. These results come as a poll by MIMS’ sister website #GPonline reveals that 93% of the more than 300 GPs who responded had been forced to prescribe a second-choice drug in the past year because of medicines shortages. Of these, 24% said that the switch had caused an adverse effect. #medicineshortages

Happy to share my recent publication on a topic that has been near and dear to me for over two decades. Towards a Prescription for Change: Interprofessional Management of Polypharmacy and Deprescribing - #nonpharmacologicaltherapy #deprescribing #polypharmacy Perron, A.E. Towards a Prescription for Change: Interprofessional Management of Polypharmacy and Deprescribing. Curr Geri Rep (2024). https://lnkd.in/e7HVW_MD

💥 Patient Counseling regarding Amlodipine: 🔍 Here are some important points to share with your patient: 1. What is Amlodipine and how it works : Amlodipine is antihypertensive, helps relax and widen blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure. 2. How to Take It: Take Amlodipine once daily, with or without food, at the same time each day. Do not crush or break the tablets. Swallow them whole with water. 3. Common Side Effects: Dizziness, lightheadedness, and fatigue, especially when first starting or increasing the dose. Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet (edema). Report this to your healthcare provider if it becomes severe. 4. Avoiding Sudden Position Changes: To minimize dizziness or lightheadedness, advise the patient to get up slowly from a sitting or lying position. 5. Avoiding Grapefruit Juice: Grapefruit juice can increase the levels of Amlodipine in the blood, raising the risk of side effects. Avoid it while taking this medication. 6. Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up doses. 7. Drug Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as some may interact with Amlodipine. 8. Importance of Adherence: Take Amlodipine regularly, even if you feel well, as high blood pressure often has no symptoms. Do not stop taking it abruptly without consulting your healthcare provider. Encourage your patients to follow up with their healthcare provider for routine monitoring and to discuss any concerns or side effects they experience. #Patient_Counseling #Pharmacist_Samah_Ali

This year's World Menopause Day's theme is MHT - Menopause Hormone Treatment - commonly known as HRT in the UK. So just a timely reminder that if you are prescribed HRT in the UK, you can apply for a prescription prepayment certificate specifically for HRT. This costs £19.80 for the year, and allows as many items of eligible HRT to be prescribed for the one cost. This is a huge saving compared to paying monthly and per medication. If you already have another medication prescribed such as a statin, then it might be cheaper to consider a yearly prepayment certificate that covers all medications. You can take a look on the link below as well as seeing which HRT medications are eligible for prescribing via this scheme. https://lnkd.in/ee_6AV_9