I Take My Medications Responsibly: Do I Still Need Medication Management?

When a doctor writes you a prescription, do you fill it and follow the instructions to the letter, or do you miss a dosage here and there? Do you know how your medication may interact with nutritional supplements or other medicines? 

In the United States, one in five adults (20%) over the age of 40 take five or more prescriptions — plus various over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements — every day. Many more people take two, three, or four daily medications. 

It can get complicated fast, but we’re here to help.

At Spine & Pain Center of San Antonio in Live Oak and San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Sergio Alvarado and our seasoned team assist with chronic pain and medication management. 

We ensure you take your medicines as prescribed, that they’re providing the benefits they’re designed to deliver, and they aren’t causing unwanted side effects or interactions. Here’s why medication management is so important when prescription drugs are part of your health care.  

What is responsible medication management? 

Every medication has a set of best practices. The basics are how often you take it and whether you take it with food or on an empty stomach. Beyond those simple rules, you also want to be aware of potential adverse side effects and interactions with other medications. 

Sometimes, you can start taking a medication and later add another, and it’s not uncommon to be on multiple medications, some of which can counteract, intensify, or weaken another.  

With responsible medication management, we perform a comprehensive review of any new additions and help you organize, monitor, and coordinate your medication to give you the desired outcome: Effective symptom control or disease management without dangerous drug interactions or bothersome side effects.   

Taking the medication as prescribed ensures its effectiveness. You don’t want to miss doses or duplicate efforts. Additionally, you want to minimize any side effects. 

What to consider when thinking of medication management? 

Managing medication can be simple enough with one or two medications, but adding more can quickly become complicated. Consider these factors: 

Organization 

Pill dispensers offer helpful visual reminders of whether you’ve taken that day’s medication or not. These dispensers can keep you on track if you take multiple medications. You can set an alarm if needed to remind you when it’s time to take each medicine. 

Storage 

Keep medications in a cool, dry place to help them retain their potency, and keep them out of the reach of children or curious pets. Medications that require refrigeration should also be kept as directed.

Refills 

Monitor your medications to know when you’re getting low, and to allow yourself ample time to request refills prior to your prescription expiring.

Communication 

Discuss any concerns and other medications you’re taking before adding a new medication. Understand any potential side effects so you can be aware of possible symptoms once you start taking the medication. Reporting any side effects promptly helps us make adjustments to resolve the problem, while keeping you on track with necessary treatments.  

Responsible medication management isn’t limited to prescriptions, either. Over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies, and nutritional supplements can also affect a medication’s effectiveness. 

Your medication management review 

At Spine & Pain Center of San Antonio in Live Oak and San Antonio, Texas, our expert team evaluates your medical history, symptoms, and medications to ensure your pharmaceutical therapy plan is both beneficial and on track — and causes no discomfort or harm. 

Give us a call to schedule a medication review today, or click online to book an appointment at your convenience.