Ep 129: Rethinking Meds for People with IDD

This IDD Health Matters episode features Adam Chittam, a pharmacist specializing in long-term care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Chittam explains that his organization, Tarrytown XPO Care Pharmacy, uniquely serves only the IDD population, which often faces complex medication regimens and polypharmacy—commonly 13–15 medications compared to four in the general population. He highlights the risks of drug interactions, the challenges of managing side effects, and the importance of avoiding unnecessary medications by addressing underlying causes of behaviors rather than attributing them solely to disability. Cheatham emphasizes education for caregivers, proper medication administration through compliance packaging, and the critical role pharmacists play in clinical teams to ensure safety and improve outcomes. He concludes by advocating for consistency, awareness of side effects, and engagement in this rewarding field.