Sometimes it’s figuring out if the changes a patient is experiencing are a medication side effect or not.
I was contacted by a client over the weekend whose 90+ y.o. loved one was experiencing new symptoms. The client reached out for a medication review. The symptoms were not only affecting the patient, but also the caregivers.
After a thorough review of the medications, it was discovered that she was taking at least 3 unnecessary medications (out of 8), and that her bouts with gout are actually being caused by one of the meds.
With the symptoms that were described to me I suggested they go to the ER. Patient was admitted with pneumonia and is being treated. Just being able to navigate whether a new symptom could be a result of medications or needs further investigation is something a pharmacist can help with.