4 Easy Ways To Minimize Adverse Drug Interactions

Don’t Become a Statistic: Protect Yourself from Adverse Drug Reactions

If you are being treated for a rheumatic condition, you know well the difficulties of managing medications for the disease, pain, and side effects. Patients with rheumatic conditions, specifically rheumatoid arthritis (RA), are treated on average with five medications in addition to their biologic therapy and up to 25. Seven percent of patients were prescribed more than 10 medications, though only two or three of those therapeutics directly treat RA. 

Polypharmacy, or the simultaneous use of multiple medications by a patient, is becoming more and more common in patients with rheumatic conditions, particularly as disease onset most likely occurs in older patients who are more likely being treated for other conditions. While polypharmacy isn’t related to RA activity or functional disability, managing multiple prescriptions and complex dosage schedules introduces the risk that RA medications are not being taken as directed and - worse, that patients may experience adverse drug reactions that arise from the use of multiple medications at once.

Shockingly, adverse drug reactions are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. There is a 58% chance a patient that is taking 5 or more drugs will experience an adverse drug event, but there are several steps you can take to reduce - if not eliminate - the risk of taking multiple medications for multiple conditions simultaneously. 

Review Your Medications Annually with Your Primary Care Physician (PCP)

Your primary care physician (PCP) should be your first point of contact for reviewing all the medications you take. Think of them as the central hub for coordinating your care across different specialists. By scheduling an annual medication review, your PCP can:

• Identify potential drug interactions between prescriptions from different providers.
• Eliminate unnecessary medications that might no longer be effective or needed.
• Ensure your medication regimen is safe and effective, particularly if your health conditions or treatments have changed over the year.

Don’t forget to include everything you take—this means prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. Providing your PCP with a complete list gives them a full picture of your health and reduces the risk of adverse drug interactions.

Pro Tip: If you see multiple specialists for your care, ask your PCP to act as the coordinator of your prescriptions. This ensures that one person has the full overview of your treatment plan and can spot any potential issues before they arise.

Keep an Updated Medication List and Stick to One Pharmacy

Maintaining an accurate medication list is an essential step in managing multiple prescriptions safely. Write down all your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements, along with their dosages and timing. Keep this list with you—whether in your wallet or on your phone—for easy access during doctor visits or emergencies.

Filling your prescriptions at one pharmacy helps streamline your care. A single pharmacist can:

• Spot potential drug interactions before issues arise.
• Coordinate with your PCP and other providers to ensure your medications are safe and effective.

If you’re on infusion therapies or medications from compound or specialty pharmacies, share this information with your pharmacist to help them evaluate your full treatment plan.

Quick Tip: Update your medication list anytime your prescriptions change, even for minor adjustments like dosage.

Understand and Verify What You’re Taking

Make it a priority to fully understand each medication you’re prescribed. This includes confirming:

• The exact dosage and timing of your medication.
• The purpose of the medication and how it supports your treatment.
• Potential side effects and what to do if you experience them.

Ask your pharmacist and healthcare provider for thorough explanations when starting a new medication. Keep this information on hand—whether in your medication list or a folder—for easy reference. Each time you fill a prescription, double-check the details with your pharmacist to ensure accuracy and stay on track with your treatment.

Pro Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Pharmacists are there to help you fully understand your medications and ensure they work safely alongside your other treatments.

Stay Organized with a Medication Calendar and Reminders

Staying on schedule with your medications is critical for effective treatment. Create a simple medication calendar or chart to track your daily routine, and update it whenever your prescriptions change.

Helpful Tools for Staying on Track:

• Pill organizers: Use a weekly or daily organizer to sort your medications.
• Timers and alarms: Set reminders on your phone, watch, or another device to alert you when it’s time to take your medication.
• Visible placement: Keep your calendar or organizer in an easy-to-see spot, such as the kitchen or your bedside table, to avoid missing doses.

These tools can make managing complex medication schedules much easier, helping you stick to your plan and stay healthy.

Take Control of Your Medications and Stay Safe

Managing multiple medications for a rheumatic condition doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By staying informed, organized, and proactive in working with your healthcare providers, you can significantly reduce the risk of adverse drug reactions and improve your overall health. Remember, small steps like keeping an updated medication list, communicating with your pharmacist, and using simple tools like calendars or alarms can make a big difference. If you have questions about your medications or how to better manage your treatment plan, don’t hesitate to reach out to your rheumatologist or pharmacist—they’re here to help you stay safe and healthy.