Seniors Encouraged to “Educate Before You Medicate”
(LONG BEACH, CA – April 28, 2005) — Today, more than ever before,
new prescription drugs are entering the market that allow seniors
to live longer and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. But
just because a new drug is advertised on television doesn’t make
it right for everyone. That’s why SCAN Health Plan is encouraging
seniors to learn more about the prescription drugs they are
taking.
“When it comes to taking prescription medications, you need to
educate before you medicate,” said SCAN Chief Medical Officer
Timothy Schwab, M.D. “That means asking questions so that you
know what all your medications are for and making sure none of
them negatively interact with each other – or with any over-the-
counter products you may also be taking.”
According to the National Council on Patient Information and
Education, two out of three doctor visits end with a prescription
being written. To protect yourself from medication-related
problems, when given a prescription Dr. Schwab encourages
everyone including seniors to ask six important questions:
- What is the name of the medicine and is that the brand or generic name?
- Why am I taking this medicine, and what is it suppose to do?
- How and when should I take the medicine – and for how long?
- Are there any foods, drinks, other medicines, dietary supplements or activities I should avoid while taking this medicine?
- What are the possible side effects and what should I do if they occur?
- When should I expect the medicine to begin to work, and how will I know if it is working?
Besides asking questions, seniors also need to provide
information. “Each of your doctors should know all the
medications you take, including vitamins, herbal remedies, pain
relievers and dietary supplements,” says Dr. Schwab. If you keep
an up-to-date list, take it with you to your doctor appointments.
If not, put everything in a bag and take it with you.
Dr. Schwab also recommends having a prescription review at least
once a year where a healthcare professional looks at everything
you’re taking. This will help ensure there are no conflicts,
duplications or other safety issues.
In addition, seniors are encouraged to use the same pharmacy for
all prescriptions, if possible. “Most pharmacies have
computerized listings of all prescriptions they have filled for
each patient,” said Dr. Schwab. “These databases can cross-
reference drugs to look for any incompatibilities.”
SCAN Health Plan currently serves nearly 70,000 seniors in Los
Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties.
In addition to providing members such comprehensive health plan
services as routine physicals, hearing exams and prescription
drug coverage, SCAN also offers transportation to the doctor’s
office, a 24-hour nurse advice hotline, and, for qualified
members, a unique array of home assistance services that enhance
a seniors’ ability to remain independent and in their own home
for as long as possible. SCAN also manages one of the largest and
most successful Multi-Purpose Senior Service Projects (MSSP) in
California, providing community-based, long-term care and in-home
personal-care coordination for low-income frail seniors. Further
information on the plan may be obtained at
www.scanhealthplan.com.
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