Some Medication Safety Tips to Know for Older Adults

Medication safety tips are an important topic to discuss, especially for those in their sixties and beyond. You should always be mindful when taking prescriptions and over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements.

It’s important to discuss medications safety tips, because the older you get, it is more likely that you are using additional medications. This can cause an increase in the chance of harmful drug effects, like interactions.

As you grow older, your body starts to handle medications differently. An example of this is how your liver and kidney’s function change with age. These organs may not work as well as they used to and that can lead to differences in how a drug is broken down and leaves your body.

Dr. Sandra Kweder, a medical officer at the FDA, says, “There is no question that physiology changes as we age. Many chronic medical conditions don’t even appear until our later years.”

Medication Safety Tips

The FDA has provided some important medication safety tips, when dealing with older adults. Here they are:

1: Take medicine as prescribed, with input from your health care provider

Your health care provider gives you instructions on how to use your medication. Make sure you take your medications regularly and that you follow your health care provider’s instructions.

You should never take a prescription medication that your health care provider has not prescribed. You should also never skip doses or stop taking medications, without first discussing these changes with your doctor. Even if you feel fine, you should still take your medication, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Discuss any unwanted side effects with your doctor.

Clinical trials, conducted by the FDA, are what help to identify a medication’s dosing information. Every medicine is different, which is why you need to follow the prescription your doctor has written for you.

2: Keep a medication list

Writing down every medication you take is a valuable practice. By doing this, you can help loved ones, your doctor, and the pharmacist, know the medications and supplements you are taking. Some medications can be affected by the supplements you take.

It’s important you keep your medication list up to date. It is wise to supply a close family member or friend with your medication list, so they are aware of what your needs are.

You should include the medicine’s brand name and generic name, if applicable, when compiling your medication list.

3: Be aware of potential drug interactions and side effects

It is not uncommon for interactions to occur when:

• The drug’s effectiveness is compromised by another drug
• Certain drugs becoming potentially harmful, depending on your medical condition
• Supplements or herbal concoctions can affect a drug’s performance
• A non-alcoholic drink or food can react with the drug
• An alcoholic drink interacts with the drug

It is important that you learn the potential side effects and possible interactions that come with your medications. This is why it is important you discuss what medications and supplements you are taking, with your doctor or pharmacist. Always review the drug facts and special instructions that come with your medication.

How to better understand your prescription labels.

If you visit more than one physician or health care provider, be sure to show them the medication list you have written down. It is important to tell them about all medications and supplements you are taking. If you’re ever in doubt, asking your physician or pharmacist can help you stay safe, when taking medications.

Be sure to ask your physician or pharmacist about what side effects you can expect when taking a new medication. In some cases, a medication can cause certain health problems to occur in older adults. Talk to your physician or pharmacist about this, before filling and taking your new prescription.

4: Review your medications with your physician or pharmacist

You should discuss your medications, dietary supplements, and over-the-counter list, with your provider, once a year. Having that handy medication list you came up with will be helpful. Doing this will help your physician determine if every medication you are taking is still necessary. Your physician may determine if taking that medication is still necessary. It is important that you never stop taking a medication that your doctor has prescribed, unless directed otherwise.

Medications can be expensive, so if you can’t afford the drug you’ve been prescribed, ask your doctor if there are any alternatives that are lower in cost.

If you ever have any questions, related to your health care, be sure to discuss them with your physician.