{"id":90035,"date":"2026-04-22T11:18:27","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T17:18:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=90035"},"modified":"2026-04-22T11:18:27","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T17:18:27","slug":"senior-medication-management-dos-and-donts-as-you-age","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/senior-medication-management-dos-and-donts-as-you-age\/","title":{"rendered":"Managing your medications safely as you get older"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As people age, the number of prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and supplements they take often increases, which raises the risk of harmful drug interactions and side effects. Photo: Getty Images.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Knowing the medications you\u2019re taking and communicating that information to your medical provider is even more important as you get older.<\/p>\n

As we age, the number of medications we take \u2013 prescription as well as over-the-counter ones, along with supplements \u2013 typically increases. The combination of these drugs can lead to harmful side effects that your provider can help you avoid.<\/p>\n

For instance, too much aspirin<\/a> and ibuprofen can cause stomach bleeding and kidney injury. Fish oil can increase bleeding risks, and too many herbals and vitamins can be toxic.

Annual medication reviews help prevent dangerous and costly consequences of taking medications incorrectly or mixing certain drugs and supplements. Learn where you can get a medication review<\/a> done for free.<\/div>\n

\u201cOver-the-counter medications and supplements can interact with the prescription medications you are on,\u201d\u00a0Dr. Jennifer Kempers<\/a>, an internal medicine physician with UCHealth Primary Care in Steamboat Springs<\/a>, said.\u00a0\u201cKnowing the full constellation of medications you are taking levels the playing field for your health care provider so we can treat you effectively.\u201d<\/p>\n

While it might seem tedious to review medications prior to each medical appointment, the process is necessary to ensure your chart is accurate and up to date.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the most important parts of any medical or hospital visit is medication reconciliation,\u201d said Kempers. \u201cWe need to make sure we are all on the same page. Charts are not always accurate and can sometimes have old or wrong information that we need to update.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before you head to a medical appointment, Kempers advises providing medical staff with a complete list of any prescribed medications, along with supplements such as vitamins, sleep aids like melatonin, and any allergy and cold medicine you are taking. She also encourages sharing what over-the-counter medications you take, such as aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

Get the facts about these 14 popular supplements<\/a>.<\/div>\n

\u201cKeeping the list up to date in your chart is half the battle,\u201d she said. \u201cWe are better equipped to give you accurate information if we have your complete list of mediations.\u201d<\/p>\n

What to tell your provider about your medications<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Kempers urges patients to share specific things about the medicine they take with their provider, including:<\/strong><\/p>\n