Medication Review
Comprehensive evaluation of current medications to optimize treatment plans.
Overview
A comprehensive medication review ensures optimal treatment plans, identifies potential drug interactions, assesses adherence, and optimizes therapy based on current guidelines and patient needs.
adherence
assessment
- Review of current medication list
- Frequency of medication use
- Barriers to adherence identification
- Refill patterns and gaps
- Patient understanding of medication purpose
factors
- Cost and insurance coverage
- Complexity of regimen
- Side effects and concerns
- Understanding of medication benefits
- Forgetfulness and routine integration
strategies
- Simplify medication regimens when possible
- Address cost concerns and explore assistance programs
- Provide clear education on medication benefits
- Use reminders and medication tracking tools
- Regular follow-up and support
interactions
types
- Drug-drug interactions
- Drug-disease interactions
- Drug-food interactions
- Drug-supplement interactions
common
- Antihistamines with sedating medications
- Decongestants with certain blood pressure medications
- Steroids with diabetes medications
- Multiple medications affecting liver enzymes
assessment
- Complete medication list review
- Over-the-counter medication inclusion
- Herbal supplements and vitamins
- Prescription medication interactions
- Disease-specific considerations
management
- Adjust timing of medications when possible
- Substitute safer alternatives
- Monitor for interactions when necessary
- Patient education on potential interactions
step Therapy
concept
Step therapy involves adjusting medications based on asthma control and severity.
steps
step1
Mild intermittent: As-needed short-acting bronchodilator
step2
Mild persistent: Low-dose controller medication added
step3
Moderate persistent: Medium-dose controller or combination therapy
step4
Moderate-severe persistent: Medium-high dose controller with additional medications
step5
Severe persistent: High-dose controller plus additional medications or biologics
step6
Severe persistent: Consider biologics or oral corticosteroids
optimization
- Assess current control level
- Determine appropriate step
- Adjust medications accordingly
- Monitor response and adjust as needed
- Step down when well-controlled for 3+ months
considerations
- Patient preferences and goals
- Side effect profiles
- Cost and insurance coverage
- Adherence capabilities
- Comorbid conditions
review
components
- Complete medication list (prescription and OTC)
- Current dosages and frequencies
- Medication effectiveness assessment
- Side effect evaluation
- Adherence patterns
- Cost considerations
- Drug interaction screening
- Appropriateness for current control level
frequency
- At each visit for new or changing medications
- Annually for stable patients
- When control changes
- After hospitalizations or exacerbations
optimization
goals
- Achieve optimal asthma control
- Minimize side effects
- Simplify regimens when possible
- Reduce costs when feasible
- Improve adherence
- Prevent drug interactions
process
- Comprehensive medication review
- Assessment of current control
- Identification of optimization opportunities
- Discussion with patient
- Implementation of changes
- Follow-up and monitoring
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific needs and create a personalized treatment plan.