On December 8th 2003, President Bush signed into law the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003. This legislation adds new benefits including prescription drug coverage through the new Medicare Part D program. This voluntary program will be include enhanced benefits and will begin in January 2006.

FHA has published a Q & A on Medicare Changes under the 2003 Law that highlights key elements of the legislation and how these will affect Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

Most adults over the age of 65 take more than one medication on a daily basis. In fact, older adults account for 30% of prescriptions written, 40% of over-the-counter drugs sold in the U.S. and take an average of 5.9 medications per person. The administration of many drugs together is known as "polypharmacy," and the interactions between some of these medications can actually cause additional problems that can be serious health threats to older adults, who react differently to medications than younger people.

For these reasons, the FHA has focused its efforts on creating resources for older adults and their caregivers on safe medication use that include:

• Medication and Supplement Diary
  
  It is very important that you tell your health care provider about everything that you take, including over the counter medicines, nutritional supplements, and herbal remedies. Your provider will be able to help you to avoid common problems that occur when taking multiple medications and supplements. To help you to keep track of your medicines, the FHA has created a Medication and Supplement Diary.
  
  Be sure to keep your diary updated and to bring it with you to every appointment. You should keep your diary in a place that works for you in terms of keeping it up-to-date. Some older adults keep it with their medications and others keep it on the refrigerator. Still others carry a list of their medications with them at all times.
  
  Click here to download the diary.
  
  
• Tips for Preventing Problems with Polypharmacy
  As an older adult patient or the caregiver of an older adult, you are in the best position to help prevent problems from taking multiple medications. You should stay informed about the types of drugs you or your loved one are taking and let your pharmacist or healthcare provider know if you or your loved one experiences side effects or symptoms of drug interactions
  
  Click here for some tips for you to consider when taking medication.
  
  
• Over-the-Counter Drugs
  Prescription drugs can only be obtained by a written form filled out by a physician and should be taken only by the patient for whom they are prescribed. However, some people choose to take over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, which are medicines available without a prescription and without doctor's direction. Some medicines once available only by prescription are now available in dosages that can be purchased over-the-counter. These drugs can potentially cause problems because they can interact with other medications that you take. Let your healthcare provider know about all medicines you are taking.
  
  Click here to learn more about Over-the-Counter drugs
  
  
• Medications for Specific Conditions: Persistent Pain and Diabetes
  Many times there are a number of medications and treatments that can be prescribed for the same clinical condition. With all of the different brand names and generic drugs that exist for treating these conditions, it can become very confusing when trying to keep track of your medications and their possible interactions. For this reason, the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging has developed educational literature for patients who wish to learn more about the medications available for specific medical conditions. Currently, the FHA has published pamphlets on Medications for Persistent Pain and Medications for Diabetes.
  
  Click here to learn more about Medications for Persistent Pain
  
  Click here to learn more about Medications for Diabetes