Mark your calendars—October 21 is Check Your Meds Day! It’s the perfect time for you to hit pause and take stock of what’s in your cabinet—what you’re taking, why you’re taking it, and how it’s making you feel. But keep in mind, you can (and should) schedule your medication review at any time of year!
Understanding your medications will help you dodge dangerous interactions, use them correctly, and assess whether they do the job. Let’s explore how you can prepare for your review and simple lifestyle changes to help you feel your best.
Why Check Your Meds?
Whether you’re managing one prescription or several, a medication review is your chance to ask questions and get a better understanding of your treatment plan. Here’s why it’s worth your time:
Avoid Dangerous Interactions
If you’re taking multiple medications, understanding how they interact is vital. For example, mixing certain pain relievers with blood thinners can increase your risk of bleeding.
Stay Informed
It’s common—forgetting how to take meds or mixing up dosages. During your review, you can clarify these details to ensure you use your medications safely and effectively.
Make Adjustments
Your health needs can shift over time, and what worked for you last year might not be the best fit today. A quick review allows for those necessary adjustments.
Quality Over Quantity
Chat with your doctor or pharmacist about whether you need all your medications. It might be time to re-evaluate.
The Role of Your Pharmacist
Don’t forget about your pharmacist! They have a deep understanding of how each one works and can guide you through any potential interactions or side effects. If you ever have questions about how to take your meds or what they do, ask!
Preparing For Your Review
A little prep can go a long way. Here’s how to get ready for a productive discussion.
Step 1: Schedule Your Review
Decide how you’d like to meet—whether in person, over the phone, or via telehealth. Then, schedule a time with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Step 2: Gather Your Medications
First things first—gather all your medications. This includes everything: prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. Lay them out on a clean surface to see everything at once.
Step 3: Create a Medication List
Next, create a list with the following details for each medication:
- Medication Name: Include both the brand name and generic name if you have them.
- Dosage: How much you take and how often.
- Purpose: Why you’re taking it.
- Prescribing Doctor: If you see multiple doctors, make a note of who prescribed what.
(If you prefer digital tools, consider using a health app to organize your medications. Many apps allow you to track dosages and set reminders for when to take your meds)!
Step 4: Note Any Changes
Take a moment to reflect on any recent changes in your health. New symptoms, mood swings, or dips in energy? Write those observations down.
Step 5: Prepare Your Questions
Questions about side effects? Unsure how to take certain medications? Jot down any questions beforehand so you don’t forget anything important. Here are some you might consider:
- Do I still need all of these medications?
- Are any of my medications increasing my risk of nutrient deficiencies?
- When’s the best time to take each medication?
- Should I take my medications with or on an empty stomach?
- Are there any potential interactions I should be aware of?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- How should I store my medications?
By following these steps, you’ll walk into your appointment feeling confident and prepared.
What to Expect
Let’s walk through what you can expect.
During your medication review, you and your doctor or pharmacist will go over your list together. It’s your chance to ask your prepared questions and share how well the medications work for you.
Your doctor should take the time to guide you on how to take everything correctly—timing, food interactions, you name it. And if at any point you don’t feel supported, know that it’s okay to seek a second opinion or find a new provider.
After Your Review: Next Steps
After your medication review, take some time to reflect on everything you discussed. Here’s how to follow up.
Update Your Records
Start by updating your medication list with new details based on your conversation. If your healthcare provider suggested any changes, follow-ups, or tests, note those too.
Monitor Your Symptoms
As you begin making changes, tune into how you feel in the coming days and weeks. Write down any new symptoms or improvements. This is your body communicating with you, and keeping a record will empower you to discuss any concerns at your next visit.
Do Your Research
Spend some time researching your medications and supplements. Understanding how they work and what to expect can help you feel more in control of your health.
Schedule Regular Reviews
While Check Your Meds Day is a great reminder, aim to check in on your medications at least once a year or more often if your health changes or you start a new prescription.
When it’s time to follow up with your doctor or pharmacist, here are a few questions to get you started:
- What changes were made to my medication, and why?
- When should I start seeing results?
- What improvements should I be on the lookout for?
- How long should I wait to evaluate a new medication’s effectiveness?
Your Path to Better Health
Taking charge of your health is a continuous journey, and you have the power to shape it. Consider these simple, actionable tips to help you along the way.
Invest in High-Quality Supplements
Have you ever thought about how your medications might impact your nutrient levels? Many common meds, like antacids and blood thinners, can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients. Take B vitamins, for example—they help convert food into energy and break down medications, while minerals like magnesium and zinc play a significant role in nutrient absorption.
When there’s a deficiency—fatigue, inflammation, mood swings, and headaches can follow. By adding high-quality supplements into your daily routine, you can help bridge those nutritional gaps. You might even find you need fewer medications over time as your body becomes more balanced.
Stay Hydrated with Mineral Water
Hydration is vital to keeping your body functioning smoothly, especially when it comes to kidney health and flushing medications from your system. Replenishing vital minerals depleted by medications—like magnesium, calcium, and potassium—is essential. To stay hydrated on a cellular level, consider adding a high-quality multi-mineral formula, like ReMyte®, to your water or smoothie.
Find Joy in Movement
Moving your body should feel like a source of joy, not a chore. Whether taking a brisk walk around the neighborhood, joining a dance class, or gardening, find activities that make you smile. The more you move, the better you feel—plus, staying active improves the effectiveness of your medications and supplements.
Re-evaluate Your Diet
Your diet fuels your body’s engine, influencing how you process everything—including medications. Aim for a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to give your cells what they need to thrive. But a word of caution: some foods can clash with certain medications. For example, grapefruit can alter how your body metabolizes specific drugs, and leafy greens high in vitamin K can interfere with blood thinners.
Focus on Good Sleep Habits
Aiming for 8-10 hours of sleep each night allows your body to recover and recharge. Create a calming bedtime routine to signal your body that it’s time to wind down—dim the lights, power down screens, and find a good book or relaxing activity.
The Bottom Line
You deserve to feel your best, and that starts with taking an active role in your health. So, gather your medications, prepare your questions, and get ready.