When you think of a health checkup, you probably picture blood pressure cuffs and blood tests. But there’s another kind of checkup that’s just as important — the annual medication checkup, a scheduled review of all the drugs you’re taking with a pharmacist or doctor to catch hidden risks and simplify your regimen. Also known as a medication review, it’s not just for seniors — anyone on two or more prescriptions should do this once a year. Too many people take pills without knowing why they’re on them, what they interact with, or if they’re even still needed.
Think about it: you might be on blood pressure meds, a sleep aid, an anti-inflammatory, and a supplement you bought online. Each one works differently in your body. Some, like corticosteroids, a class of drugs used for inflammation that can raise blood sugar and cause mood swings, can make your diabetes worse. Others, like first-generation antihistamines, old-school allergy pills that cause drowsiness and brain fog by blocking brain chemicals, might be making you feel tired all day — and you didn’t even realize it was the medicine. Then there’s the risk of drug interactions, when two or more medications affect each other in ways that can be dangerous or reduce effectiveness. A study from the FDA found that over 40% of older adults on five or more drugs had at least one high-risk interaction. And it’s not just age — younger people on chronic pain meds, antidepressants, or thyroid drugs are just as vulnerable.
During an annual medication checkup, you don’t just hand over a list. You bring everything: bottles, pills, patches, supplements, even the OTC painkillers you grab without thinking. The pharmacist or doctor will look for duplicates, outdated prescriptions, and drugs that no longer match your current health needs. Maybe you stopped smoking last year — do you still need that nicotine patch? Did your doctor ever tell you why you’re taking that sleep aid? Often, the answer is no. This is also the time to ask about generic alternatives, lower-cost versions of brand-name drugs that work the same but sometimes have different inactive ingredients that affect people differently. Not all generics are created equal — some cause more side effects than others, and knowing which ones work for you saves money and avoids surprises.
You’ll also learn how to spot warning signs. That weird dizziness after taking your pills? That stomach pain you thought was just stress? Those could be red flags from a drug interaction you didn’t know about. Pharmacists are trained to catch these things. They don’t just fill prescriptions — they watch for patterns. And with drug shortages still affecting over 250 medications in 2025, knowing what alternatives exist — like switching from one NSAID to another, or finding a safe substitute for a discontinued antibiotic — could keep your treatment on track.
This isn’t about adding more appointments. It’s about making your current ones matter. One checkup can stop you from taking a pill you don’t need, avoid a hospital visit from a bad interaction, or help you find a cheaper option that actually works. You’re not just managing drugs — you’re managing your health. And the best part? You don’t need to wait for a doctor’s appointment. Many pharmacies offer free medication reviews. All you need is your pill bottles and five minutes to ask: Why am I taking this? Is it still helping? Could something else be safer? The answers might surprise you — and change your life.
Learn how to prepare for your Medicare Annual Medication Review to catch dangerous drug interactions, save money, and improve your health. Step-by-step guide for seniors on what to bring, what to ask, and what happens next.
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