140723 Do I need to take so many medications?

The use of multiple drugs to treat diseases and other health conditions — called polypharmacy — is a growing concern for older adults. People age 65 and older tend to take more medicines than those in any other age group, often because they have several diseases or other health problems at the same time. Managing multiple medications can be expensive and difficult to track, especially for those who are homebound or who live in rural areas. Check out these tips for taking multiple medications safely.

Taking many medications can also increase the risk for side effects and other unintended problems. Researchers are studying deprescribing, an approach to safely reduce or stop medications that are potentially inappropriate or unnecessary. Read how NIA supports research on polypharmacy and deprescribing to help ensure older adults take only those medicines they need to help them live full, healthy lives.

If you are concerned that you might be taking too many medications, have a conversation with your health care provider about whether there are any you could safely reduce or stop.

Taking medicines safely

Here are some tips to help you take your medicines safely:

• Follow instructions. Read all medicine labels and be sure to follow instructions. Don’t take a larger dose of a medicine, thinking it will help you more. This could be very dangerous and even deadly. And don’t skip or take half doses of a prescription drug to save money. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you can’t afford the medicine. There may be financial assistance or less expensive options available. Read Saving Money on Medicines for more information.
• Take medicine on time. Some people use meals or bedtime as reminders to take their medicine. Other people use charts, calendars, or weekly pill boxes. You can also set timers and write reminders to take your medication. Medication reminder apps for smartphones are becoming more popular; these apps can help you remember when and how to take your medications each day.
• Turn on a light. Don’t take medicine in the dark; you might make a mistake.
• Report problems. Call your doctor right away if you have any trouble with your prescriptions, OTC medicines, or supplements. There may be something else you can take.
• Tell your doctor about alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. Alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs can affect how well your medicines work. Be honest with your doctor about how much you use.
• Ask your loved ones for help. Take a friend or relative with you to your doctor’s appointments if you think you may need help understanding or remembering what the doctor tells you.
• Check before stopping. Take prescription medicine until it’s finished, or your doctor says it’s all right to stop. Note that some medicines are supposed to be taken only “as needed.”
• Don’t share. Do not take medicines prescribed for another person or give yours to someone else