Why Medication Review Day Matters
On October 21st, the nation recognizes National Check Your Meds Day, a reminder about the importance of medication reviews. We want to share a story that shows why taking the time to talk to your pharmacist or physician can be life-changing.
Our patient, a 69-year-old woman, came to Pharmacy Grace deeply distressed. She was virtually bed-bound, suffering from severe, persistent body aches that left her exhausted and unable to maintain her normal life.
While filling her routine prescriptions, one of our staff members, Dr. Andi Neuhofel, took the time to listen to her complaints and review her medication list. Andi suspected her long-term statin medication was causing a rare but debilitating side effect.
“Sometimes it just takes slowing down and really listening,” said Dr. Neuhofel. “Even long-term prescriptions can sometimes cause unexpected side effects.”
We immediately consulted her physician, who agreed to discontinue the statin for a trial period. The results were dramatic: within one month, the patient reported feeling the best she had felt in an extremely long time, now fully able to get out of bed and resume her daily activities.
“Once we stopped the statin, she said she felt the best she had in years,” said Neuhofel. “Moments like that remind me why these medication reviews matter.”
On October 21st, we encourage everyone to mark National Check Your Meds Day by reaching out to your care team to review your medications. Don’t assume that new ache, fatigue, or symptom is just “getting older.” It could be a side effect.
If you or a loved one ever has new symptoms, remember this story and talk to your pharmacist or doctor about your current medications. Their clinical insight can be the key to unlocking a better quality of life.
