5 Medication Safety Tips
Each year, hundreds of thousands of seniors and older adults end up in the emergency room due to medication complications. Making the problem even worse is that as we age, our bodies change in the way they absorb medication, putting seniors at higher risk of medication complications. Many medications also come with side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness so we have put together some tips to prevent any complications. We want your medicine to help you and not cause any unnecessary complications!
Be Aware of Possible Medicine Interactions
You should avoid taking medicines that are not prescribed to you. Remember, as we age, we are at higher risk of adverse drug interactions, so to avoid this, you can simply not take over the counter medicines that are not prescribed and monitored by your doctor. If you are planning on taking something, it’s best to check with your doctor first.
Make a Medication List
Consider writing down all of the medication that you are taking, including the name, the dosage, and how often you take it daily. It’s also a good idea to give your list to a loved one and/or a caregiver so they can remind you when to take your medicine.
Ask When In Doubt
You doctor is the number one resource of your drug information. You need to regularly ask when you are in doubt about the medicines that you take. Doctors or pharmacists can help you with your questions and if you need additional information they are there to guide you.
Don’t Take Other People’s Medications
Avoid taking other people's medications. It may interact against the one prescribed by your doctor. Just because something is effective for a friend or loved one, doesn’t mean it will work the same for you.
Follow Directions
Safe medication is done between you, your doctor, and the other care providers active in your life. You should know your medications and if you don’t know ask what, how, why, and when to ensure you that you have taken safe medicines that will not interact with each other. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and consider taking notes if you think you may forget some of the specifics.
We hope our tips will help you in ensuring you or a loved one is safe when it comes to taking their meds. Here’s to good health!