San Fernando Valley Aging Seniors and Their Medications
8 questions to ask the pharmacist when seniors get new prescriptions
Seniors and their caregivers should ask the following questions when a doctor prescribes an elderly patient new medication.
1. Are there any risks?
What are the benefits of taking the medication?
Weighing the risks and benefits can ensure that your older adult is getting the best medication for their health conditions.
2. What are the side effects?
Being aware of potential side effects and reporting them to your older adult’s physician early on can help in their treatment.
3. How expensive is this medication and will insurance cover it?
The doctor may not know the cost of a certain medication and there are many types of insurance coverage’s. Most likely, the pharmacist will have information about how much a medication will cost.
4. Does the medication come in a generic form and is it effective?
Generic forms of medications are generally cheaper and are usually just as effective.
However, keep in mind that newer medications may not come in the generic form and may be the drug of choice for a particular medical condition.
5. Are there any special considerations when taking the medication?
How should it be taken? Check to see if the medication needs to be taken with food or on an empty stomach, or at a certain time of day. Also, some medications are more tolerable when taken at different times.
6. When will the medication take effect?
Some medications take effect quickly within minutes or hours, while others may take four to six weeks to get to full therapeutic levels. Knowing this information will help set expectations so you don’t mistakenly think the medication isn’t working and have your older adult stop taking it too soon.
7. How long will they need to take the medication?
Medication for an easily treatable condition may work in as little as one dose, but a medication for chronic conditions may need to be taken for years. Ask the pharmacist which category this medication will be in.
8. Why is this new drug better than what they were previously taking?
A new drug may be more effective for managing a condition or may have fewer side effects.
Source: https://dailycaring.com/8-questions-to-ask-the-pharmacist-when-seniors-get-new-prescriptions/
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