As you get older, chances are the amount of medication you take will increase. A combination of medicines may be prescribed to treat specific conditions. Also, you may take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as Advil, Aleve, Anaprox, Celebrex, Motrin and Voltaren, for pain relief. While it is likely that your medications were prescribed for good reason, they may no longer be helpful and could potentially even cause harm. Similarly, NSAIDs can help with joint pain and other types of pain, but may also pose challenges, such as an increased risk of heart attack, depending on the dose and length of time used. Wonder if you’d be better off with fewer pills? Start by asking your doctor or pharmacist for a medication review. Together, you can work on a plan to meet your health and wellness goals and safely reduce drugs you no longer need. We’ve compiled some resources to help inform the conversation.
Is it time to review your medications?
Featured Resources
- Blog Post: Do you have a hidden heart risk in your medicine cabinet?
- Blog Post: Fact or fiction: research reveals the truth about common medications
- Blog Post: When it might be wise to stop taking certain medications
- Blog Post: 5 alternative options for pain relief
- Blog Post: Is it time for a medication review? Many people take unnecessary meds
- Web Resource Rating: Managing medication for long-term conditions
- Web Resource Rating: Medicines for dementia
DISCLAIMER: Many of our Blog Posts were written before the COVID-19 pandemic and thus do not necessarily reflect the latest public health recommendations. While the content of these blogs identify activities that support optimal aging, it is important to defer to the most current public health recommendations such as social distancing and frequent hand washing. Some of the activities suggested within these blogs may need to be modified or avoided altogether to comply with current social distancing recommendations. To view the latest updates from the Public Health Agency of Canada, please visit their website.
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