Side effects, interactions, and misuse of medications can lead to major complications in older people. It is crucial to find out which prescription and over-the-counter medications older patients are using and how often. Older people often take many medications prescribed by several different doctors, e.g., internists, cardiologists, urologists, or rheumatologists. Sometimes they take prescriptions intended for other household members.
obtaining the medical history 15
Remember to ask about any alternative treatments, such as dietary supplements, homeopathic remedies, or teas that the patient might be using.
Remind patients that it is important for you to know what over-the-counter medicines, such as pain relievers or eye drops, they use.
Ask patients to bring all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, to your office. A good approach is to have the patient put everything he or she takes in a brown bag and bring it to each visit. Find out about the patient’s habits for taking each medication, and check to be sure that he or she is using it as directed.
Check to see if the patient has (or needs) a medical alert ID bracelet or necklace. There are several sources, including MedicAlert Foundation International, www.medicalert.org.