Are Your Medicines Working Together? A Guide to Medication Safety

Taking several medicines prescribed by different doctors is common. However, taking five or more medicines at once—often called “polypharmacy”—can increase the risk of side effects. This is particularly important when taking “anticholinergic” drugs, which are often used for allergies, sleep problems, or bladder issues.

Common Medicines to Watch

Anticholinergic ingredients are in many common medicines you can buy without a prescription. You can find them in sleep aids, allergy pills, and cold or flu remedies. If you have a question about an over-the-counter medicine and whether or not it might interact with your prescriptions, ask your local pharmacist or call a member of our care management team directly at 910-878-2730. We’re available Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm.

Why You Should Be Careful

As you manage your health, it is important to understand how your body handles medicine. Factors like liver and kidney function or changes in brain sensitivity can affect how drugs process and work in your body. These risks can even lead to stays in the hospital. This can lead to issues such as:

• Confusion or memory trouble
• Dizziness and a higher risk of falling
• Dry mouth or blurred vision

Considerations for Older Adults

While polypharmacy risks are relevant for everyone, older adults should be especially cautious with certain medications. Aging changes how the body processes drugs, and so, can increase sensitivity to anticholinergic medications (often found in sleep and allergy pills). This means that regular medication reviews are particularly vital to maintain safety.

Special Care for Higher-Risk Groups

If you have health conditions like diabetes or heart disease, you may face a higher risk of side effects from combining medications. Studies show that for people with these conditions, medication management is essential to avoid unwanted interactions.

If you are managing multiple health issues, your body may be more sensitive to medication changes, making it vital to discuss your full list of prescriptions with your doctor.

Take Action Today

Your safety is our priority. Here is how you can manage your medicines:

1. Keep a Master List: Write down all your medicines, including prescriptions, vitamins, and over-the-counter products. Bring this list to every doctor visit.
2. Ask for a Review: Ask your doctor or pharmacist to look over your list to ensure every medication is still necessary and safe to take together.

Questions for Your Doctor

• Do I still need to take every one of these medicines?
• Is this medicine causing any of my symptoms?
• Are there safer options?

Questions for Your Care Manager

Talk to Your Troy Care Manager: When you speak with your Troy Care Manager, ask them to set up a consultation with a pharmacist. A pharmacist can review your medications, explain how they work, and help reduce the risk of taking too many pills. You can also reach our care management team directly at 910-878-2730, available Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm.

• Can you help me schedule a medication review with a clinical pharmacist?
• How can I coordinate my medications more effectively between my different specialists?
• Are there ways to simplify my medication schedule to make it easier to manage?

Your health is a team effort. By working with your doctor and Troy Care Manager, you can stay safer and feel your best.

Contact Us

For more information, visit our Contact Us page. You can also read about what a Care Manager does.

Sources

1. American Geriatrics Society. (2023). American Geriatrics Society 2023 Updated AGS Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults.
2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024). Medicines and You: A Guide for Older Adults.
3. Medscape. (2025). Experts: Polypharmacy in middle-age patients raises risks.
4. Medscape. (2026). Obesity tied to higher rates of polypharmacy.

This material is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns. Participation in this program is voluntary, and you may opt out of this service at any time by notifying your Care Manager. Benefits and features vary by plan/area. Limitations, exclusions and/or network restrictions may apply.

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