More than 40 million seniors in the United States are responsible for managing their own medications. It is estimated that more than one in five of these seniors is taking medications that may be inappropriate or dangerous. That isn't counting the millions who forget to take medications or decide they don't want to be bothered!
While people age 65 and over make up about 13.5 percent of the population, they take more than 25 percent of all prescription medicines. The average senior takes five or six medications a day. Mistakes or misuse can be dangerous – even fatal.
People who understand their medications – what they are, why they are to be taken, and what effects to expect – generally are more likely to take medications as prescribed, note the side effects, and have better results.
What Can You Do?
Medications help many people live a longer and healthier life, but they can also cause problems. Be proactive and make sure that you and older family mambers are taking the right medication, in the right amount, at the right time, and for the right reasons.
- Go to the same pharmacy when possible. The pharmacy will have a record of all your prescriptions and help coordinate and compare medications when you see more than one doctor. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about your prescription. After all, you're a paying customer and deserve the very best service.
- Ask for easy-off prescription bottle caps. Most seniors don't need childproof bottle caps any more.
- Look at the pills when you pick them up. Do they look the same as the last batch? If not, find out why.
- Is dosage the same as the previous batch? Check the number of pills recommended and the strength (20mg, etc.).
- If the pills are now a generic brand, find out if it is exactly like the pill originally prescribed. Did your doctor approve a generic substitute?
- Keep pills in an organizer; one with a separate compartment for each day of the week, and maybe even several compartments for each day (morning, noon, night). Fill the organizer once a week and get help if needed.
- Should you avoid alcohol, cold medications, antacids, or other substances when taking a certain medication? Find out.
- Keeping pills in a cabinet in the kitchen might be safer than keeping them in warm, moist cabinet in the bathroom.
- Read directions. Should pills be taken on an empty stomach? A full stomach? In the morning? Before bedtime?
- Should you drive after taking the medication? Read the directions, or ask the pharmacist.
- What side effects, if any, should you expect? What should you do if you do have a side effect? Ask your doctor.
- Ask for directions to be printed in larger print if it is difficult for you to read them.
- Be sure at least one other person (family member or friend) knows what medications you take, when, and why.
- Take medications exactly as prescribed. If this is a problem, talk with your doctor about changing your routine. Do not decide to change time or dosage on your own.
- Are there side effects you don't like? Are there no effects at all? Talk with your doctor as soon as possible.
- If you forget a dose, don't double-up the next time unless you've been told to by your doctor.
- As you get older, some drugs may become less effective. Ask your doctor about any changes in your reaction to prescription medicines.
Getting Help
If you are having problems with swallowing pills, unpleasant side effects, or don't seem to be improving, ask for assistance from your pharmacist or doctor. Don't wait. Contact them as soon as you notice a problem.
If the problem is serious, call 911 or have someone call for you. |
