Knowledge and organization are the keys to managing your medications
Managing medications can be a challenging task, especially for someone with Parkinson’s disease or other neurological disorders. Selecting and accessing the correct medication, in the correct dose, at the appropriate time requires good mental acuity, motor function, and organizational skills, and these may become compromised as neurological conditions progress. Fortunately, there are many ways you can improve how accurately medications are being taken. A great place to start is by asking your pharmacist to help you with the following steps:
Know your medications.
You should be able to spell and pronounce each medication, understand what that medication does and explain why you are taking it. One way to do this is to create a form that lists the following for each medication:
- Medication name (both brand name and generic name – unless it is only available as a generic)
- It may be helpful to write the phonetic pronunciation of the medication to assist in saying the medication correctly if you are unfamiliar with the medication.
- Strength of the medication
- Picture or description of the medication
- You can take a picture with your phone camera or capture a picture off of the internet. If you take multiple medications that are included in a dose reminder package, this can help you identify the specific medication from among the others contained in the same time slot.
- The prescription bottle usually contains a description of the medication somewhere on the label, although it will be in very small print. The description should provide color, shape, and any distinguishing markings.
- Time(s) of day to take the medication
- Number of tablets or capsules to be taken at each dose (time)
- Specific instructions for taking the medication (e.g., take with food, take on empty stomach before breakfast, do not crush or cut, etc…)
- Type or class of medication (e.g., what it does)
- Start date of the medication
- Stop date of the medication (to be used if the medication is changed or discontinued)
- Physician’s name who ordered the medication
Creating and updating this list on the computer makes it easy to share updated medication information with your physicians, family members and others involved in your care. Take a photo of the list with your phone camera and you’ll always have it available to review and share when you need it.
Organize your medications.
- Medication name (both brand name and generic name – unless it is only available as a generic)
- It may be helpful to write the phonetic pronunciation of the medication to assist in saying the medication correctly if you are unfamiliar with the medication.
- Strength of the medication
- Picture or description of the medication
- You can take a picture with your phone camera or capture a picture off of the internet. If you take multiple medications that are included in a dose reminder package, this can help you identify the specific medication from among the others contained in the same time slot.
- The prescription bottle usually contains a description of the medication somewhere on the label, although it will be in very small print. The description should provide color, shape, and any distinguishing markings.
- Time(s) of day to take the medication
Recently Dr. Saffel joined us on Spotlight® Online to discuss the role of the Pharmacist and PD Care. If you missed it live, click below to watch the full recording.
Dana Saffel, PharmD, BCGP, CPh, FASCP is a Board-Certified Geriatric Pharmacist and a Fellow of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. She also holds membership in both the American Geriatrics Society, the Society for Post-Acute and Long-term Care Medicine, and the American Health Care Association.
Dr. Saffel currently serves as the Region D representative on the ASCP Board of Directors and is a past-president of the Georgia Chapter and the Florida Chapter of ASCP. She is a past board member for the Commission on Certification in Geriatric Pharmacy. Dr. Saffel is a frequent guest lecturer at state and national conferences addressing topics ranging from disease management to business and operational issues for health service providers.
