The Importance of Discussing the Side Effects with Your Physician

CONTACT: Pamela D. Wilson

Lakewood, Colorado, October 8, 2018  

Prescription drugs are big money for pharmaceutical companies. Even when patents expire and generics alternatives are available, consumers still pay high prices.

Many older adults with chronic conditions fail to fill prescriptions because they simply can't afford the cost. Those with memory loss or Alzheimer's Disease may forget to fill the prescriptions. Adults of all ages don't fill the prescriptions because of concerns about side effects.

4.25 billion prescriptions are projected to be filled at retail locations in 2019

Many individuals over age 50 are diagnosed with one or more chronic diseases that may be annoying but not necessarily life threatening. These include high blood pressure and related heart conditions, diabetes and kidney disease, different types of arthritis, COPD, asthma, and cancer. Pain is a common concern.

Prescription medications relieve many of these day to day concerns. But at what cost financially and to the body physically and mentally? How many doctors take the time to give thorough explanations unless questions are asked?

In my twenty plus years as a caregiving advocate, many of my clients living at home, in assisted living, or skilled nursing communities took a long list of medications. Many of these medications were necessary to support daily ability to physically and mentally function. Pain resulting from arthritis was always a concern. For older adults, pain medications and medications for incontinence, have the negative side effect of resulting in falls.   

Good RX compiled a list of the most-dispensed prescriptions in the U.S. as of May 2017 as reported in an article in Becker's Hospital Review. Based on all of the news about the opioid epidemic, it's no wonder that opioid medications rank number one on the list.

Other common medications listed in the top ten are for thyroid, arthritis, bacterial infections, high blood pressure, cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. Many of my older adult clients are regular consumers of these prescription medications. 

Before you begin to take any prescription medication, there are questions that you must ask. Not only about the medication but about the condition the medication treats and the positive and negative side effects. 

My article on Your Tango, How to Know When You Should (Or Shouldn't) Be Concerned About Side Effects of Medication lists 10 questions to consider before agreeing to take any medication or supplement. Be wise. Be safe. Ask the right questions about your health today so that you live well in your later years.