Here is the second blog installment on why it is important for cancer patients to take their medication correctly. This is brought to you by ContinuCare Home Health Inc. in San Antonio Texas.

Drug interaction happens when a certain medication reacts with another drug, supplement, food, drink or other medical condition. Grapefruit juice, for example, is known to interfere with a number of medications. Drug interactions may cause side effects or lower/increase the strength of medications. It is therefore important for cancer patients to inform their doctor or attending physician all of the medications they’re taking. All over-the-counter drugs, vitamins or herbal supplements taken must be considered. It is also important to include any medication allergies. Letting the health care team informed is important in ensuring nothing is interfering with the effectiveness of the cancer treatment.

For easy reference during the cancer treatment, it will be helpful if the patient can keep a list copy of all the medications somewhere in their purse or wallet. Patients must also review all medication information sheets that include the medication profile, side effects and any possible drug interactions. It will be easier if the patient involves the help of a family member, friend or a home health care facility to help them with medication management.

Another helpful strategy when it comes to proper medication management is enlisting the help of the pharmacy. A cancer patient can fill all the prescriptions at the same pharmacy so only one pharmacist can keep a complete and accurate list of all the medications taken and inform the patient on any possible drug interaction. If using another pharmacy or mail-order prescription, better to inform the usual pharmacist so he/she can add it to the medication record. It is also important to inform the pharmacist of any allergic reaction. Pharmacists can help provide easy to read and color-coded labels to help patients simplify the medication process. They can even send an email or phone message to help remind patients to refill their prescription medication. Some local pharmacies even have automatic refills to make sure patients will not run out.