Our bodies undergo various changes as we age, and managing our health becomes increasingly crucial. Medications, both prescribed and over-the-counter medications (like NSAIDs including Advil and Aleve, used for pain relief), often play a vital role in maintaining and improving the well-being of older adults. Many older adults take a combination of medications to treat specific conditions.
Why are medication reviews important?
While it is likely that they were prescribed for good reason, they may no longer be helpful and could potentially even cause harm. Similarly, the over-the-counter NSAIDs that you may be taking to help with things like joint pain may pose challenges, like an increased risk of heart attack, depending on the dose you take and the length of time used.
A comprehensive review of your medications can help identify potential interactions or adverse effects that may arise from the combination of different drugs, allow for prescriptions to be adjusted if necessary, and assess or address any challenges related to medication adherence.
Talking to your health team about a review
If you’ve ever wondered if you’d be better off with fewer pills, it may be time to ask your healthcare team about a medication review. These reviews are an important part of care and can help optimize health outcomes for older adults. Together, you can work on a plan that meets your health and wellness goals while safely reducing any medications you no longer need.
Read through our resources below to help inform your next conversation.
