Picture this common scenario: your elderly parent or loved one returns from a doctor's visit with a new prescription. While it's meant to help, a new medication can also feel like a step into the unknown. For seniors, who often manage multiple health conditions and an existing list of pills, adding another drug requires more than just a quick pharmacy run; it demands a thoughtful conversation.
Asking the right questions isn't just about being thorough; it’s a powerful act of advocacy that can prevent harmful interactions, manage side effects, and ensure the treatment truly supports their well-being. Let’s explore the essential questions that can turn this uncertainty into confidence and safety.
How to Safely Add New Prescription Medications for Seniors
Most older adults take multiple medications, so it’s essential to ensure that adding any new medication is done carefully to avoid causing serious health problems.
Unfortunately, some physicians may not take the time to check that a new medication will not interact adversely with current medications.
If that happens, don’t be afraid to insist that the doctor checks to make sure there are no conflicts with the prescription medicine, over-the-counter medicine, vitamins, and supplements that your older adult is currently taking.
We highlight the National Institute on Aging’s 14 important questions to ask the doctor when starting a new medication.
We also summarize their additional safety tips, how a pharmacist can provide further assistance, and how to manage adverse medication effects.
14 questions to ask when starting new medications for seniors
These 14 questions help make sure that the new medicine is needed and will be taken correctly.
It may seem excessive to ask all these questions, especially if the doctor doesn’t seem concerned, but starting a new medication is a serious matter. Too often, doctors don’t take into account medication that other doctors have prescribed – until a profound adverse side effect causes harm.
These questions also alert you to potential side effects and help you plan what to do if they occur.
- What is the name of this medication, and why should it be taken?
- What medical condition does this medicine treat?
- How many times a day should it be taken?
- At what time? For example, if the bottle says take “4 times a day,” does that mean 4 times in 24 hours or 4 times during the daytime?
- How much of the medicine should be taken? (dosage)
- Should the medication be taken with food or without food?
- Is there anything that should not be eaten or drunk when taking this medicine?
- How long will it take this medication to take effect?
- Will this medicine interact with other drugs, vitamins, or supplements currently being taken?
- Should any current medications be stopped or adjusted?
- Is it safe to drive while taking this medication?
- What does “as needed” mean?
- When should this medicine be stopped?
- If a medication dose is missed, what should be done?
- What side effects should we expect?
- What should we do if a problem arises?
- Will a refill be needed?
- How do we arrange that? For example, sometimes opioids need a new prescription every time a refill is required.
- At each doctor visit, ask whether all current medications are still needed or whether any should be discontinued.
Critical Medication Safety Tips
Before they prescribe any new medication, the doctor should know about any drugs your older adult is taking.
That includes ALL medication prescribed by other doctors, vitamins, supplements, herbal remedies, and over-the-counter drugs – even if only used once in a while.
Also, review your older adult’s allergies and any issues they’ve had with other medications.
Remind the doctor of any negative side effects that have happened, like rashes, trouble breathing, indigestion, dizziness, or mood changes.
Get Help From Pharmacists
Even after asking plenty of questions during the doctor’s visit, more questions could come up later. Another qualified expert you can speak with is a pharmacist.
Essential questions for a pharmacist:
- Tell the pharmacist if your older adult has trouble swallowing pills. Liquid medicine or other formulations could be available.
- If you’re thinking of having your older adult chew, break, or crush tablets (for example: to put in applesauce), first ask the pharmacist if the drug will still work that way.
- On the bottle or container, ensure the name of the medicine, the directions, and any warning labels are clear and easy to read. If anything is difficult to read, ask the pharmacist to use larger type for the labels.
- Make sure you (or your older adult) can open the medication container. If not, ask for easy-open containers.
- Ask if there are any special instructions for storing the medicine. For example, should it be kept in the refrigerator or in a dry place (i.e., not in the bathroom)?
- Ensure your older adult isn’t allergic to any of the medication's ingredients. It is helpful if the pharmacist has a current list of the patient's allergies.
- Necessary: Always ensure the medication label includes an older adult’s name and the medication and directions prescribed by their doctor. Suppose it doesn’t, don’t accept it. Take it back to the pharmacist immediately.
What to do If Adverse Side Effects Happen
When someone takes medication, it could cause unwanted or unexpected symptoms.
Side effects may be minor, such as a headache or dry mouth. They could also be life-threatening, like severe bleeding or irreversible damage to the liver or kidneys.
Many medications can also increase fall risk by affecting balance or making driving unsafe.
If your older adult experiences any side effects, even if they’re minor, record what they are and when they happen.
Call the physician immediately and provide an accurate report of the side effects. They might be able to switch the medication to another that works just as well but has fewer side effects.
Important: It can be dangerous to stop medication or make dosage changes suddenly. Always get specific instructions from the doctor before making changes.
Final Thoughts About Prescription Medications for Seniors
Starting a new medication for an older adult is a significant step, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Armed with these 14 key questions, you can transform a routine prescription into a plan for safer, more effective care.
Remember, your role as an informed advocate is invaluable. It bridges the gap between a doctor's expertise and your loved one's daily life. By partnering with both physicians and pharmacists, you create a vital safety net.
So, take a deep breath, keep this guide handy, and step forward knowing that you're not just managing a medication; you're actively safeguarding a life.
*Disclaimer: This article is for informational and entertainment purposes. Always discuss new medications or a change in routine with a medical professional and/or a pharmacist.
Next Steps: See the full guide to safe use of medications for seniors from the National Institute on Aging
Recommended for you:
- 8 Tips to Avoid Harmful Drug Reactions and Overmedication in Seniors
- Prevent Dangerous Drug Interactions in Seniors with a Drug Interaction Checker
- 10 Medications That Cause Falls in Seniors: Use with Caution
About the Author
Connie is the founder of DailyCaring.com and was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also understands the importance of support, especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.
I’m sorry but 14 questions is excessive. This is why they call it “The 36 Hour Day”. It’s part of the problem.
There’s definitely a lot to consider when adding medications for an older adult with multiple chronic health conditions and who is taking existing medications.