Tips for Safely taking Prescription Drugs

Every year seniors are hospitalized due to prescribed medications. Statistics show drug-related problems are common in older adults and include drug ineffectiveness, adverse drug effects, over-dosage, under-dosage, inappropriate treatment, inadequate monitoring, nonadherence, and drug interactions. It is important to remember even though medication is prescribed by your healthcare provider, problems can occur.  

Experts say you must follow directions and take medications as prescribed including on time, in the right dosage, with or without food, and never grinding it into a powder (unless directed by the doctor). They recommend carrying an updated list of all medications and sharing it with your doctors. Additionally, be aware of common interactions between prescribed drugs and over-the-counter medications and alcoholic drinks. 

Before your doctor prescribes a new medication, ask them why you are taking it, for how long and what are the potential side effects. It is important to know what to look for and to discuss the benefits versus any negative or dangerous consequences. You will want to know things like will a drug make you drowsy so you know not to drive under its influence.  

Another thing to safeguard your health is to review your medications with your doctor on a regular basis asking questions such as: do you still need to take it, is the dosage correct, and is there a non-drug alternative? Despite your faith in your medical team, it is not a bad idea to check your medications against the American Geriatric Society’s “2019 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults.” The online site lists medications that may be inappropriate or dangerous for seniors.   

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Source: 

healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips/tip-sheet-ten-medications-older-adults-should-avoid-or-use-caution