When taken regularly and as prescribed, prescription medications can help patients manage a wide range of acute and chronic health problems.
It is essential to take those medications safely, and our pharmacy team has some advice for doing so.
Regional One Health’s expert pharmacists offer consultations and a number of convenient services to help patients use their medications to improve their health.
Taking prescription medications regularly and as instructed is essential – it helps manage chronic conditions, relieve acute illnesses, and prevent complications or worsening symptoms.
But how do you know you’re using those medications safely?
Justin Griner, PharmD, MBA, BCPS, emergency department clinical pharmacist at Regional One Health, joined NBC Action News 5’s Digital Desk to answer questions about medication safety.
He said it’s best to talk to your pharmacist and provider about specific questions or concerns, but there are general rules patients can follow. “The most important thing is to take your medication regularly, as scheduled, and as prescribed,” Griner said. “We understand there are barriers to that sometimes, but usually those are things we can talk through and overcome.”
Do I have to take my medicine at exactly the same time every day?
Fortunately, you usually have a little wiggle room. Griner said it is ideal to take medications at the same time each day, “But with most medications, if you’re off by an hour or two, it’s not going to make that much of a difference.”
Your pharmacist and provider will tell you if one of your medications requires a more precise schedule. For example, some thyroid medications need to be taken before breakfast, so having a set time is more important.
Is water the only beverage I should use to take my medicine?
“Taking medicine with water is 100 percent right with a handful of exceptions, and those should be thoroughly explained to you by your provider and pharmacist,” Griner said.
“The most important thing is to take your medication regularly, as scheduled, and as prescribed,” emergency room pharmacist Justin Griner said. “We understand there are barriers to that sometimes, but usually those are things we can talk through and overcome.”
Water is usually ideal because it doesn’t interact with medications – it won’t change how the medication breaks down in the stomach or how it is absorbed by the body. Soda, coffee and other beverages might have adverse interactions.
“If you occasionally take it with soda or coffee, that’s OK,” Griner said. “But most medications were designed and studied when taken with water, so I would recommend water.”
Can I take medicine right before I go to bed?
“Generally, it’s not ideal,” Griner said. “Medication can get stuck in your esophagus if you lie down right away and don’t let gravity do its work. If medications get stuck in the esophagus, it can cause erosion.”
He suggested giving yourself at least 30 minutes between swallowing a pill and lying down.
If I take multiple medications, can I take them all at once?
“That’s a conversation that’s best had with your individual pharmacist who knows your medications,” Griner said. “That’s why it’s really nice to get all of your medications from one pharmacy. If you have several doctors treating different conditions, they may not be aware of all your medications – but your pharmacist is.”
Regional One Health pharmacists offer expert consultations for patients, as well as programs that make it easier to stay on top of refills for multiple medications.
“It’s often prescribed to take all your medications together, but in some cases it’s best to spread them out if one will interfere with absorption of another or if they decrease the ability of another medication to work,” Griner said. “Sit down with your pharmacist and have that conversation.”
What is the best way to dispose of medications I don’t need anymore?
The old advice to flush medications down the toilet no longer applies: “It’s better not to send it into the water supply,” Griner explained.
“Getting to know your pharmacist is an invaluable way to take control over your health care,” emergency room pharmacist Justin Griner said. “It’s important to understand your medications and why you should take them, and your pharmacist is a great resource.”
If you have easy access to a pharmacy, you can often find a take-back or disposal program.
If not, you should put the medication in a gallon-size jug and fill the rest with coffee grounds or cat litter, then place it in the trash. The idea is to make it so no animal, child or adult is tempted to consume the medication – even products that aren’t considered dangerous, like blood pressure medication, could be harmful if taken by a small child.
What if I can’t afford my medication?
“We can help!” Griner said. “If your insurance doesn’t cover your medication or it’s too expensive, your pharmacist is well-positioned to find another medication that works the same way and will cost you less. We can also help you find a manufacturer’s program for medications that aren’t covered by insurance or are very expensive.”
Regional One Health outpatient pharmacy also helps identify patients who currently don’t have insurance but may qualify for insurance. “That can be a game changer not only for accessing your medications, but in finding a provider to care for you,” Griner said.
Should I stop taking my medication if it causes side effects?
As long as the side effects are minor, probably not.
“If you have side effects like upset stomach or constipation, have that conversation with your pharmacist or provider,” Griner said. “A lot of times we can help you alleviate those issues.”
In many cases, the condition the medication is treating is more serious than the side effects. “Medication can’t help you if you don’t take it,” Griner said. “Some save your life immediately and some extend your life and improve your life over a number of years.”
If you have questions about side effects, how to take your medication, and how to afford your medications, your pharmacist is an excellent resources. At Regional One Health, pharmacists offer expert consultations to help patients use their medications effectively.
Any other advice?
Develop a relationship with your pharmacist! At Regional One Health, pharmacists are trained to provide expert counseling for patients.
“I’m very passionate about the role of the pharmacist. Getting to know your pharmacist is an invaluable way to take control over your health care,” Griner said. “It’s important to understand your medications and why you should take them, and your pharmacist is a great resource.”
To watch the full interview with Griner, visit https://www.actionnews5.com/2024/10/18/digital-desk-regional-one-medicine-safety/