MANAGING YOUR MEDICATIONS
Pharmacists are instrumental
in medication management
Story by Ida Brown, magazine coordinator
Photo by Paula Merritt
O
ur bodies tend to change as we age.
And unfortunately, those changes
often include aches and pains, as well
as illnesses or health conditions which
require the use of medications.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration, older adults use more medi-
cines — over-the-counter (OTC) and prescrip-
tion — than any other age group in the United
States. How bodies respond and absorb medi-
cines, drug interactions, side effects and adher-
ence to medication plans should be taken in
consideration. Medication management is one
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way to reduce risks, as well as achieve the ben-
efits of your medications. One person who can
help you manage medications is a pharmacist.
A pharmacist can answer many of your
questions about prescriptions and over-the-
counter drugs. And consulting with a pharma-
cist where you have your prescriptions filled
(where your medications record are easily
accessible) will help alleviate any confusion or
concerns.
The first step in medication management is
knowledge. Drew Moffett, pharmacist at Ole
Towne Family Pharmacy in Meridian, provided
some insight about medicines and the safe use
of them, especially for older adults.
Medicines, also referred to as drugs, can be:
• Prescriptions. Medications that can only be
Drew Moffett,
Pharm.D., with
Ole Towne Family
Pharmacy, consults
a customer about
her medication.