Back How to Handle Multiple Prescriptions
Introduction
Often, we find ourselves referred to several specialists at the same time or subsequent to our dealing with one ailment. For instance, as a cardiac patient, you may also experience issues with your digestive system or encounter other complications, resulting in dealing with multiple prescriptions and treatments at the same time. Feeling confused in such situations is normal, and it is important to ensure that the treatments do not conflict or interfere with each other. For instance, a new diagnostic test may require you to pause blood thinners for a few days it is essential to get clearance from your cardiologist before doing so.
Tips to help you manage multiple prescriptions:
1. Maintain updated health file: Organise your medical documents like prescriptions, test results, surgeries, and treatments in one single folder date-wise in chronological order. Keep a summary of your medical history and all the medications you are currently taking. Ensure you show these to any new doctor/specialist that you are consulting.
2. Coordination between your healthcare providers: Make sure the physicians are aware of your medical history, past treatments and medications. It helps make coordinated decisions and minimises the risk of conflicting interventions. You may insist on connecting the specialist to your jointly review the treatment plan.
3. Primary care physician: You may want your family doctor or the physician treating your most serious ailment to be your lead doctor to resolve potential conflicts between specialist prescriptions. For example, if you have had cardiac issues you may have your cardiologist to be your primary physician.
4. Understand your medications: Take time to learn the purpose of each medicine, its possible side effects, and how it may interact with other drugs. If unclear, seek clarification from your doctor.
5. Medication management: Create a medication schedule that includes the names of medications, dosage instructions, and timing. Separate medicines that are required regularly like for BP, Cardiac etc from medicines prescribed for your other temporary illness.
6. Buy all medicines from one pharmacy: If you use one pharmacy for all your prescriptions, they can keep stock and track your supply. They may also caution you in case they spot any potential conflicts.
Stay informed about your health, seek second opinions on treatments or medications if needed, and regularly review and adjust your treatment plan with your healthcare team.