Local pharmacy director Rane Shoji helps us get our medications in order by providing expert guidance on the importance of good medication management. Making a comprehensive list and sharing it with all your doctors and pharmacists goes a long way in preventing adverse complications. 

Intro: 0:00

Personal Story 3:25

Tips 

Basics - 5:42

• Overlapping supplements and vitamins is a common mistake.

• Visiting the same pharmacy helps minimize overlapping medications.

• People should take personal responsibility for their medications.

• Making a list of all medications and supplements is a good step.

• Share your medications list with your doctors and pharmacists.

Supplements - 6:50

• Supplements can also cause adverse reactions.

• Include all supplements in your list of medications.

• Ask your pharmacist if you have doubts.

Audit Your Medications - 7:48

• Annual doctor’s visits are a great time to check all medications.

• Bring your medications list to all doctor visits.

• Be your own advocate by knowing about all your medications.

Risks - 8:12

• Conflicting medications can cause severe adverse reactions.

• Pharmacists use software to help identify medication conflicts.

• Always ask your doctor or pharmacist when in doubt.

• Visiting several different pharmacies raises the risk of conflicts.

• Not all adverse reactions produce noticeable symptoms. 

Adverse Reactions - 10:25

• Conflicting medications can cause severe adverse reactions. 

• Every medication has unique risks.

• Always read medication labels carefully.

• The highest risk occurs when new medications are introduced.

• Contact your doctor or pharmacist asap if an adverse reaction occurs.

Stopping Medications - 12:28

• Never stop taking a prescribed medication until the cycle is complete.

• Feeling better is not a sign to stop taking prescribed medication.

• Contact your doctor or pharmacist asap if an adverse reaction occurs.

• Never saved unused portions of a medication ‘in case symptoms return.’

Instructions - 14:35

• Follow medication label instructions as close as possible.

• Missing a dosage window is no reason not to take medication.

Medication Disposal - 15:25

• Always return unused portions of medications to a pharmacy.

• Never flush unused medications or place them in rubbish.

• Police stations have drop boxes for unused medications.

Caregivers - 17:23

• A detailed list of all medications is key when managing medications for others.

• Keeping multiple copies of the list in different locations is important.

• Phone apps are very helpful in monitoring medications for others.

• Pill organizers are effective for managing medication regimens. 

Traveling with Medication - 19:40

• Refill all important prescriptions prior to departure.

• Additional vacation supplies are usually available for longer trips.

• Consult your doctor or pharmacist for special requests. 

Choosing a Pharmacist - 20:30

• A good pharmacist is your advocate for good health.

• Maintaining a relationship with one pharmacist is a good practice.

• Different pharmacy chains do not share medication information.