Medication Assessment

Is the individual you are concerned about a child, adolescent, or older adult?

Special populations such as these are inherently more likely to be at risk for medication-related problems.

Does the individual you are concerned with see more than one physician regularly, and receive prescription medication from more than one of these physicians?

Multiple providers increase the risk for medication-related problems secondary to a lack of efficient communication amongst providers.

Is the individual on a long-term drug therapy regimen?

e.g. medications for conditions for high blood pressure, diabetes, mood/mental health conditions, chronic infections, Parkinson’s, ADHD, Asthma, and COPD.

Does the individual take any OTCs, nutritional supplements, and/or herbal products?

OTCs, supplements, and herbals have the potential to interact with prescription medications since they are metabolized and cleared from the body through the same mechanisms as prescription medications.

Is the individual taking a total of five or more medications of any type or combination thereof?

Combinations of medications can increase the risk for medication-related problems.

Does the individual have issues or concerns with memory or cognition?

Changes in memory can sometimes be associated with medication-related problems.

Does the individual have issues with mood or behavior?

Changes in mood or behavior can sometimes be associated with medication-related problems.

Is more than one pharmacy used to stock the individual’s medicine cabinet?

Filling prescriptions at more than one pharmacy can increase the likelihood of medication-related problems.

Is the individual experiencing or suspected of experiencing a side effect from their medications?

Some medications are associated with a higher risk of medication-related problems like unwanted side effects and adverse reactions and all should be reviewed for safety. For example, some individuals may experience severe muscle pain and stiffness while taking a statin for high cholesterol.

Does the individual have difficulty with medication compliance or rely on a family member or caregiver for daily administration of medications?

Individuals who are unable to take medications as prescribed or rely on others increase their risk of medication-related problems.

Has the individual recently been discharged from a hospital or medical care facility within the past two months?

Individuals who have been recently hospitalized are at increased risk for medication errors.

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