This spring, I’ve had the opportunity to spend more time out in the community, speaking with patients, caregivers, and families about medications.

Different groups. Different settings. But many of the same questions keep coming up - because it can be hard to know where to look and who to trust.

The questions are often simple, but important:

What is this medication actually for?
Is this side effect normal?
Do I really need to take this?
Can I take this with what I’m already on?

These are not small questions. They are the kinds of questions that shape whether someone feels confident in their care.

The Challenge Isn’t Information, It’s Trustworthy Information

There is no shortage of information available.

A quick search can bring up pages of results. Social media is full of opinions and experiences. Friends and family often share what has worked for them.

But not all information is reliable. And even when it is, it may not apply to your specific health, medications, or goals. That is where many people get stuck.

Where to Start Looking

If you’re unsure about a medication or supplement, it helps to start with sources that are both reliable and relevant to you.

Your pharmacist is often one of the most accessible resources. They can help explain what a medication is for, what to expect, and how it fits with everything else you are taking.

Your primary care provider or specialist can also help connect medications back to your overall health plan and goals.

There are also a few trusted organizations that provide clear, evidence-based information:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• National Institutes of Health

• Food and Drug Administration

Medication guides that come with prescriptions can also be helpful, especially when it comes to understanding how to take a medication safely and what to watch for.

Most importantly, it is always okay to ask questions. You are not expected to know all of this on your own. When people understand their medications, everything feels different.

Education does not have to be complicated. It just has to be clear, relevant, and connected to what matters most to you.

One of the most encouraging parts of being out in the community this spring has been seeing how engaged people are - People want to understand. They want to feel confident in their care. They just need the right support and the right information to get there.

Education is a core part of what we do at Wright Geriatric Consulting, whether that’s through community events or one-on-one conversations. The goal is always the same: to help make medications feel a little less overwhelming and a lot more manageable.

Questions about medications or supplements? Contact us to learn how we can support you.

With care,
Abigail Wright, BCGP BCPS CDP PharmD MS FASCP
Founder, Wright Geriatric Consulting