Happy New Year’s From Your Favorite Tampa Pharmacist
With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season slowing down and New Year’s resolutions being formed and implemented, I felt like it was a good time to address some common questions and concerns I receive from my clients before entering our program here at Your Tampa Healthcare Advocates. First, it is firmly our goal to teach, educate and empower our clients about medications, lifestyle and healthcare options. Our knowledge and experience in the healthcare industry give us an edge when advocating for our clients.
Most people I speak to about medication management have a difficult time wrapping their head around deprescribing medications, most of the time they feel like we are trying to go against their doctors orders which could not be further from the truth. We have noticed in our years of experience that some doctors are unaware the other is part of the healthcare team, medications are sometimes prescribed for a short course but end up staying on long term, sometimes the dose or medication does not have the same effect as it once did, finally, the side effects can become difficult to manage, as we age our metabolism of medications changes. Our key focus when initiating our Pharmacist-led Medication Management Program is taking a personalized approach to what works for the client, discussing each medication and supplement fully and developing a partnership to optimize health while improving their quality of life. Traditionally, a pharmacist is the last line of defense between a patient and a medication error or interaction. Pharmacists do not just slap a label on a bottle and dispense, there is so much more to our profession than these common themes. By stating this, what if we could stop a drug interaction or error before it even reaches the pharmacy? What if we could collaborate with your healthcare team about efficient dosing, streamlined medication administration and safety protocols? Think about having a professional watching your back, communicating with your doctors and ensuring your medications are working without having to wait 4 months to set up an appointment. Concepts like these are considered proactive healthcare rather than reactive, ultimately reducing risk for harm and the pressures and burdens of the healthcare system.
If you have ever found yourself thinking, “I take way too many pills!” a change in perspective might be all you need to change the trajectory of your health journey. Below are the most common questions I ask to get the ball rolling on someone’s deprescribing journey, you can ask yourself the same questions and may come to some interesting conclusions about your medication regimen.
What is being treated with this medication? Is the issue still something that needs treatment?
Who prescribed this medication? Do I still see them? When was the medication prescribed?
When this medication was prescribed was it for a short-term or long-term health issue?
Do I experience side effects or discomfort from this medication(s)
Does this medication impact my quality of life? If yes, in what ways? (Example: Cost, side effects, brain fog, mood, energy)
If you find yourself wondering if a medication is right for you when asking these questions, it may be time for a consultation with Your Tampa Healthcare Advocates. We offer a free 30 minute consultation to get an idea of your health and where we can have the most impact. An important note, never stop taking medications without consulting a professional, it can be detrimental to your health. Many medications have protocols for deprescribing and cannot be cut out immediately.
To close, we wish you all a happy and healthy New Year’s and are excited to assist in your health journey.
-Patrick
