Harlem is known for its high amount of health difficulties as a result of lack of easy to use health care resources, low patient education and so on. I had this conversation with a Harlem resident to find out about his medication experiences. This is a 47 year old male and I was impressed that he knows the medications he is on and what he takes them for.

 Q: Are you currently on any prescription medications?

A: Yes. I am taking Diovan, lovastatin, fosamax, and advair.

Q: What are you taking these medications for?

A: I believe the Diovan is for blood pressure, lovastatin is for my high cholesterol and fosamax is for my bones. The advair is supposed to be for my breathing problems.

Q: How do you take your medications?A: I take them in the morning. But I also take the advair at night too because I take that twice a day.

Q: What do you use when you have allergies, headaches, heartburn or for supplements?

A:  I take omega 3 and also some multivitamins. When I get allergies I take Claritin D and I also take Prilosec  for my heartburn, when I get heartburn.

Q: Do your doctor and pharmacist know that you take these over-the-counter medicines?

A: No. Not really. I tell them if they ask…

Q: Do you know that some over-the-counter medications may interfere with your prescription medications? 

A: Well. I heard something about that but I haven’t had any problems at all with what I am taking.

Q: You should tell your doctor and pharmacist about all over-the-counter medications that you take to avoid any problems with your medications. What problems do you experience with being able to keep to your medication schedule?

A: Actually, I’ve been out of work for some months now and I’m beginning to find it difficult to get my medications due to financial reasons.  I am still trying to find a job now.

Q: Have you talked to your doctor or pharmacist about this?

A: Not really. Can they help me with that?

Q: Absolutely! Your pharmacist can work with your doctor to change your brand medications to generic to lower your cost. Also, you pharmacy may have discount plans that might help you also lower you out of pocket costs.  How is accessibility to healthcare here in Harlem affecting your health?

A: I try to keep my appointments with my doctor down at the clinic. Sometimes it’s hard to get quick appointments and I have to wait for weeks to see my doctor. But overall, it’s still okay.

Most patients do not understand that it is important to tell their doctors and pharmacists about all over-the-counter medications that they take. Giving them this infomation is for your own good. This is very necessary so that any possible interference with prescription medications can be checked and corrected.