Managing Multiple Medications

Simple solutions for keeping track of doses, times, interactions and refills

Written by Melissa Bean Sterzick

Many seniors have prescriptions for multiple medical issues. If you’re taking more than one medication, it is easy to make mistakes like missing a dose or taking the wrong pill. Lorena Layrisse Landaeta, MD, a Torrance Memorial

Physician Network primary care physician and geriatric specialist, shares recommendations for taking your medications on time and as directed, staying on top of refills, and being aware of side effects and interactions.

What’s the best way to organize multiple prescriptions?

Obtain a printed list of current medications, including any changes, made at every doctor visit. After picking up medications from the pharmacy, organize them in a pill organizer with seven days of morning and afternoon compartments. Keep a list of prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and supplements on the door of your fridge and in your wallet or purse for easy reference. Maintain an updated file for your prescriptions, including doses and the prescribing doctor.

How do patients ensure they are taking the right doses at the right times?

Make taking your medications part of your daily routine. Besides a pill organizer, you can set a phone or watch alarm, or have “Alexa” remind you. You can also make a chart or Excel spreadsheet with the list of all your medications, and check a box when you take them. I find the pill organizers are most helpful. If you ever have a question about dose and time or miss a dose, immediately call your doctor’s office or pharmacist to clarify.

Describe a good strategy for keeping track of refills.

Request refills at least two weeks in advance so you can get them on time. Using a mail service can take seven to 10 days to receive medications, so don’t wait until you’re out of medication. You can also set up automatic refills with your local pharmacy. Dispose of any expired or discontinued medications, or if doses change. The DEA’s Annual Drug Take Back Day is a good time to properly dispose of these types of meds.

How do you recommend your patients introduce new medications to their regimens?

Ask your doctor about side effects, and if you experience any of them, call and ask for directions. Do not stop a prescription without consulting with your doctor. I find patients do best when they understand why they are taking a medication and how the medication will improve their health or well-being—this is called health literacy. Understanding how your medications can affect daily activities, such as driving and using tools and appliances, as well as their purpose for your health, is very important.

What’s the best way to store prescription medications?

Most medications can be stored at room temperature, except insulin and some medications that require refrigeration. When you start a new medication, ask your pharmacist how to store it. Also make sure your medications are out of reach to children and pets.

How can people avoid drug interactions?

Good communication with your doctor and pharmacist is key to avoiding drug interactions. Never start a medication, even if it’s over-the-counter, without consulting with your doctor—especially if you take multiple medications. Tell your doctor about all the prescriptions, supplements and over-the-counter drugs you use before starting any new medication. If you drink or use cannabis, be aware of any interactions with your medications. As a geriatrician, I use Beers Criteria to ensure I’m not prescribing medications that can cause serious side effects in geriatric patients. If you ever feel a medication is not working as it should, call your doctor. As you age, your kidneys and liver may not pass drugs through your system the way they did when you were younger, and medication dosing may need to be adjusted. It’s very important you never take more medication than prescribed as this can lead to a higher risk of side effects, overdosing and addiction.

How can individuals find more affordable medications?

Your doctor won’t know what is covered until you fill the prescription at your pharmacy. If your insurance does not agree to cover a medication, you can ask the pharmacy to submit an authorization to “cover my meds.” Some pharmacies have discount programs, including CVS and Costco. If you have Medicare, ask for Medi-Cal prices. You can also call your doctor’s office for help with authorizations or get an equivalent prescription that is covered by your health insurance.

Dr. Landaeta practices at Torrance Memorial Physician Network in Palos Verdes at 602 Deep Valley Drive, Suite 300. She can be reached at 310-517-4692.