As you prepare your checklist of items to bring to one of our homes, please be cognizant that medications will be ordered from one of the pharmacies that serve the facility. This includes not only prescription products, but also over-the-counter (OTC) and herbal products. All of these items require an order from your physician to use the product. Even if you used an OTC and/or herbal products at home, the regulations are clear that a doctor’s order is required in nursing facilities.
You may also have a false sense of security that if it is an over-the-counter product, it must be safe or if it is a “natural or herbal” product it must be safe. Many OTC and herbal products produce significant interactions with prescription medications. Such an interaction may cause a visit to the hospital.

Submitted By: Marcia McNulty, R.Ph., CDM
ABCM Corporation
Consultant Pharmacist