Why you should regularly review your list of medications
Understanding your prescriptions is a key aspect of self-care
When I started getting sicker from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), doctors prescribed several medications to manage my symptoms and, hopefully, prevent further damage. At one point, I was taking 21 drugs a day, though I couldn’t tell you what half of them were for. That thought still scares me when I dwell on it too long.
Think about the medications you take daily. I now take far fewer than before — just five prescriptions, twice a day, not including vitamins. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, a study conducted between 2017 and March 2020 found that nearly 15% of people in the U.S. used five or more prescription drugs in the previous 30 days, while almost a quarter used three or more. That’s a lot of responsibility for one person.
I remember when a certain drug was added to my list. The side effects were so awful, I used to hide from the hospital nurses when they brought in my twice-daily dose. Instead of learning what the medication was for — or why it mattered — I stopped taking it altogether after I got home. No more creative dumping tactics required.
Eventually, I developed persistent headaches. Turns out they were caused by toxins my body couldn’t flush out — because that drug’s whole job was to bail out my struggling liver. I felt foolish. From that moment on, I committed to understanding and following my treatment plan. Fortunately, I was able to discontinue that drug with my doctor’s blessing not long afterward.
Recently, I got a call from the company that administers my medication plan through Medicare. A woman offered me a chance to do a medication review. I asked to call her back, because you should never give away insurance or personal information to someone who calls you out of the blue. When I returned the call, everything checked out, so we proceeded.
During our conversation, she walked me through all my prescriptions, including over-the-counter medications and medical cannabis, which is fully legal in my state. She asked if I knew what each drug was for. She also discussed possible alternatives and when I might be able to stop taking certain medications. After our chat, she emailed me a comprehensive list of everything I’m currently prescribed — something I now keep with me in case of emergencies.
All in all, our 20-minute conversation left me feeling pretty good. She told me I had a solid handle on my meds. I believe I do now, too.
Maybe you think you know your medications, but what if you don’t? And what if you don’t have an insurance plan that provides reviews like mine? You can always speak with your local pharmacist. Even just asking, “What’s this for?” can open the door to valuable information. (Hint: Many medicines are prescribed for more than one condition.) Pharmacists can also print a list of your current prescriptions, which has become essential for staying on top of my health. But that’s just one step.
Additionally, I email a copy of my medicine list to my sister. She’ll sometimes quiz me on it, which helps me remember what each pill is for and whether I’m taking it correctly. It’s how we look out for each other as our families — and our bodies — age.
Learning about your prescriptions might seem minor, but it’s not. Understanding what’s in your medical chart is essential to staying healthy. It’s one simple way to practice self-care, and it’s smart. Just like you.
Note: Liver Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Liver Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to liver disease.
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