Older patients need to keep accurate list of meds

SALT LAKE CITY — Herbal supplements, prescription medications and over-the-counter remedies don't always play nicely together. And since the body changes as it ages, it's important for older patients to make sure they keep a complete and accurate list of what they're taking. It's also helpful to use the same pharmacy.

That's the advice from Dr. Crystal Owens and Dr. Edward Wyne, who will be fielding questions Saturday during the Deseret News/Intermountain Healthcare Hotline. The topic is senior health issues, and they'll take question from 10 a.m. to noon on everything from staying healthy to preventing falls, dementia, controlling blood pressure and more. The number to call is 1-800-925-8177. Or you can pose question on the Deseret News Facebook page, as well, during that time.

Taking multiple substances is called polypharmacy and it's common for older people, said Owens, who is medical director of the Alta View Hospital Senior Clinic in Sandy. "It's a big concern with the senior population, who often have several chronic conditions and see several specialists. We encourage them to bring all their pill bottles in on a first visit and make sure we're looking at everything."

That allows the doctors to screen for potential interactions and side effects.

"One of the great problems as one ages is you accumulate illness so you end up oftentimes with several different physicians each handiling different problems and we don't always communicate with each other or the patient as we should," Wyne said. He tells his patients to keep a current and detailed list of medications with them so they can show it to every provider of their health care. It should include the drug's name and strength and how often it's taken.

"Kidney and liver function — mostly kidneys — decrease with age," said Owens. "And some very common chronic illnesses like high blood pressure ccan cause reduced kidney function as you age. You can live well with it, but it affects how you process medications and how long they last in your body." In some cases, the results can be quite dangerous. And some drugs, like the common blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin), can lead to dietary concerns. A doctor or a pharmacist can provide guidance.

Doctors who specialize in older patients also pay attention to balance and strength and ask if someone has fallen or is afraid they'll fall. That is another major issue with an aging population.