Beware new prescriptions !

[Opah]

Seems with the covig-19 the Hospitals , Pharmacies and doctors are no longer checking for Drug interactions, I know and after my 83 year old Mother received a prescription change ended up ICU in a coma. all are denying responsibility and have said it is up to the patient to check for interactions. Just a heads up to all with elderly family members.

 

[Wapiti1]

Sorry to hear that. After dealing with my mother in law, parents and grandparents, very few doctors check for interactions. Specialists almost never do, and the files are usually incomplete.

The pharmacist is more diligent at it than the doctors. Doctors are there to deal with the one issue you came in for and that is about it. The old family practitioner that knew everyone and everything about everyone is long gone in most places.

Very good PSA. This happens a lot more often than anyone thinks. Usually it is minor, sometimes it's not.

Hope she has a full recovery.

Jeremy

 

[Rob5589]

Sorry to hear about your Mom. It can be a serious issue when receiving different prescriptions from various providers. Sometimes the pharmacist will catch it but, as your Mom unfortunately found out, not always. For those taking multiple medications, would be a good idea to speak with the pharmacist with regards to possible interactions. Hope your Mom get well soon!

 

[ODB]

Yes! And do not just willy-nilly allow the pharmacy to use a generic. We’ve seen many issues with thyroid meds from China. Prefer the name brand, and if not that, stick with a single supplier. Do not let the pharmacy change things on you.

 

[Bld6159]

This is why it is VERY important to use 1 pharmacy and make sure the doctors office has all your medications entered into there systems. Most of the systems are set up to check for the interactions and to set an interaction alert. Not saying things can be missed but this helps reduce those incidents. So sorry to hear of ur mom. Praying she gets better.

Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk

 

[7Bartman]

It is ultimately the physician's and pharmacist's responsibility. As a pharmacist, I can tell you many pharmacists/pharmacies are overworked and understaffed. The computer software is what is usually catching the drug interaction. Moreover, there are few studies of meds in geriatric populations, especially those over 75. In addition, the polypharmacy that occurs in many Americans is quite scary. It is frankly quite difficult to comprehend the impact of multiple rx meds, OTC meds, and who knows what supplements. Last, there are many types/varieties of drug interactions (e.g. drug-drug, drug-disease, drug-genome) to name a few.
Feel free to shoot me a PM if you have any questions about your Mother's condition. Sorry, to hear that she isn't doing well.

 

[7Bartman]

Yes! And do not just willy-nilly allow the pharmacy to use a generic. We’ve seen many issues with thyroid meds from China. Prefer the name brand, and if not that, stick with a single supplier. Do not let the pharmacy change things on you.

The pharmacy will automatically substitute a generic unless your physician writes on the rx to "Dispense as written". You are correct though, there are some medications (thyroid, antiepileptics, hormonal treatments, etc...) where patients can be quite sensitive to generic substitutions. In some instances, third party insurances will cover the substitution, and in some cases they won't.

 

[WannabeHunter]

I feel for you and your family.
If you don't mind me asking, what was the drug interaction you believe caused her situation? And if you do not reply then no hard feelings.

 

[rayporter]

i stick with one local pharmacy.

they have caught a couple of interactions.

 

[Fatcamp]

You have to be an advocate for yourself and your family. It shouldn't have to be that way but it is.

 

[Mosby]

My oldest son is a Pharmacist and my daughter is in her first year in Pharmacy school. I get more advice than I need.

 

[Mule3006Elk]

Every script I write is automatically checked for drug interactions. On the pharmacist side the same. However, as others have stated, the current medication list must be updated.

Sometimes, with polypharmacy, strange interactions can and do happen.

Sorry to hear the news. I hope your mom gets better!

 

[Opah]

I don't have the drug names with me but the basics of what happened is the new med lowered her salt level very low, all the cells including the brain cells sucked up as much water as they could swelling her brain.
things started shutting down and with in 6 to 8 hours she was totally none responsive, after four days they have her salt back to the bottom of normal level and she is now fairly coherent. we have not heard back from the MRI checking for Brain damage but she is getting feisty with the nurses and have been transferred to our plan hospital.
Thank you for all the kind words and support it has helped me.

 

[WannabeHunter]

I don't have the drug names with me but the basics of what happened is the new med lowered her salt level very low, all the cells including the brain cells sucked up as much water as they could swelling her brain.
things started shutting down and with in 6 to 8 hours she was totally none responsive, after four days they have her salt back to the bottom of normal level and she is now fairly coherent. we have not heard back from the MRI checking for Brain damage but she is getting feisty with the nurses and have been transferred to our plan hospital.
Thank you for all the kind words and support it has helped me.

Glad to hear she is recovering. Pray for continued improvement.
Drug interactions can be tricky to evaluate actual patient risk, especially if they are rare.

 

[Opah]

well Moms home, not much less for the ware, still has some limits on getting around but is growing stronger every day, now to upgrade some hand grabs and rails for her.
Thank you all for the support

 

[Fatcamp]

well Moms home, not much less for the ware, still has some limits on getting around but is growing stronger every day, now to upgrade some hand grabs and rails for her.
Thank you all for the support

Nice. Follow PT/OT recommendations and keep her moving!

 

[Opah]

She is back up feisty and getting around, in and out of my truck and getting out and going places with me.
all her Blood work came back middle of the road just where it should be, I am a very happy camper !

Thank you Bubble, she asks about you and what you are up to ?