Medication has many positive benefits when prescribed correctly, helping many of us live healthier, happier lives for longer. However sometimes new or ongoing medication can have unintended interactions for the person taking it.
That’s why, as we discuss on the latest episode of The Better Ageing Podcast, it is extremely important to have any medications you are taking, regularly reviewed.
Unintended/unwanted interactions can have many causes, so in this episode we talk about the signs to look out for that your medication might be having a negative effect on you (change of mood, appetite, loss of balance, etc), what to talk to your GP about, and Home Medicine Reviews conducted by accredited pharmacists.
Home Medicine Reviews are instructed/referred by a GP and are another way to help avoid any unwanted interactions from medications (both prescribed medications and any other over the counter medications someone might be taking) whilst also educating the individual about the medication they are taking.
As always, we hope this episode helps, and if you’re feeling a little off after starting a new medication, don’t forget to talk to your GP to make sure your medication is working for you!
Listen to episode 23 above or on your favourite app:
Show notes/ topics covered:
0:26 – Welcome
2:03 – Real life example of medications having unintended consequences
4:23 – Signs to look out for
5:41 – What is a ‘Home Medicine Review’?
6:40 – Who would need a home review?
9:20 – Asking questions of your doctor
11:09 – Benefits of a pharmacist home visit
11:47 – Take home message
About the experts:
Jason Lee and Dr Jane Fyfield have over 45 years of experience working with elderly Australians. Jason Lee runs his own physiotherapy practice, with a focus on strength and conditioning programs for over 60 year olds. Dr Jane Fyfield works as a consultant to aged care services, is a former Medical Director, and has worked in the public, private and government sectors as a clinician and a non-clinical consultant.