Medication Safety for Seniors

We all know that as we get older, the body starts to break down in different ways, and we may need to take various medications to stay physically and mentally healthy. The CDC reports that 82% of Americans take at least one medication and 29% take five or more. The more medications you take means that there is a higher risk of adverse drug interactions. Additionally, as we age, there are physical changes that happen within the body that could affect the way that medications interact or break down internally. Therefore, it’s essential to pay attention and be safe when taking medications for health conditions. Visit kamagr.kr for herbal medicine ingredients and are life care products. By minimizing unnecessary ingredients, it boasts healthy effects with fewer side effects and suggests beneficial habits.

If you are someone who takes multiple medications, or you are the caregiver of a loved one who has several prescriptions, practice taking and administering medication in a safe way and follow these safety tips.

Always Take Medications as Prescribed

Your healthcare provider is a good source for information on exactly how medications will interact with each other. It’s important to take your medication exactly how it is prescribed to you from both a dosage and frequency standpoint. Do not skip doses or take more than is prescribed in a certain amount of time. If you have side effects associated with the medication, you should tell your doctor immediately.

Pay Attention to Drug Interactions and Side Effects

Speaking of side effects, make sure that you are reading each medication label and instructions carefully. Some drugs will cause adverse interactions if they are taken with or without food, or if you drink alcoholic beverages while on the drug. Certain herbal supplements may also interact with your medications in a harmful way, so it’s vital to check all labels before using prescribed or over-the-counter medications.

Be Honest with All Doctors

If you see multiple doctors for specific conditions, it’s also very important to let each doctor know which medications other healthcare providers have prescribed to you. Because of the possible adverse effects some medications have with each other, each doctor should know exactly what you are taking each day.

Make a List

It’s a good idea to make a list of the medications you take each day. Include on the list the name of the medication, both name brand and generic, as well as the dosage. If you are the caregiver of someone else, this is also a good tool to help you keep track of the medications your loved one needs on a daily basis. This list will also be helpful when talking to your doctors about which medications you are already taking.

Keep Medications Secured and Out-of-Sight

Unfortunately, some people regularly abuse medications, either by taking more than they should or by taking medication that is not prescribed to them. Additionally, some people have found that burglars will break into their homes to steal prescription drugs. Therefore, it’s extremely important to keep all medications in a safe place that is away from windows or that can’t be easily discovered by children or those who may have bad intentions. If you are the caregiver of someone else, make sure you are monitoring dosages and the amount of medicine in each bottle to keep your loved one safe from taking more than they should.

With new drugs coming out regularly, there is even more opportunity for drugs to have negative interactions. Being aware of which medications you take and discussing your health regularly with your doctor can help you or your loved one avoid an adverse effect.

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References:

Commissioner, O. O. (n.d.). Consumer Updates – 4 Medication Safety Tips for Older Adults. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm399834.htm

Medication Safety Program. (2018, June 29). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/medicationsafety/basics.html