The Key To Staying On The Right Medication Regimen

KYW's Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Sometimes when people go to the hospital they end up on very different medications than when they entered the hospital. This may not be a bad thing—often changes are needed but there can be confusion. Perhaps you started taking new medications and you may have temporarily stopped taking some of your regular medications.

Nearly half of patients 65 years and older have mistakes in their medication regimens after leaving the hospital. There is a process called medication reconciliation at discharge, which is becoming a very important task for doctors to complete but it can be overlooked. When you get out of the hospital call your doctor—or, better yet, go to the doctor for a before and after check-up, looking for duplicate or dropped meds, incorrect dosages, and potentially harmful drug combinations.