For older adults, both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications play a vital role in treating health conditions. They help ease symptoms and support overall well-being. To ensure the desired effects of your medications, learn about these medication safety tips.
Medications contain potent ingredients, so taking them correctly is important to make sure they work effectively to manage your condition.
Taking your medication as prescribed helps to decrease the chances of medication-related issues, such as drug interactions or side effects. For optimal drug safety and effectiveness, consider these five essential medication safety tips.
Depending on your condition, you may take one or more medications as part of your treatment plan. Remembering a single drug each day might not be too difficult. But when you’re taking multiple medications, mishaps can happen to even the most careful person.
To help prevent this, it’s important to know the names of each medication you take and why your doctor prescribed them for you. A better understanding of why you’re taking a drug allows you to monitor your symptoms and track progress. This provides valuable insight into whether a drug is working to help treat your condition.
When your doctor prescribes a drug, be sure to ask them any questions you may have about it. If you don’t have questions when you receive your prescription, make sure you know who you can contact if questions arise after leaving their office. Often, your point of contact will be a nurse or pharmacist.
Being able to ask questions and receive answers creates better communication between you and your healthcare professional about a drug’s effects or potential side effects you may encounter. This information helps your doctor determine the safest treatment options for you.
Tell your doctor about any prescription and over-the-counter drugs you take, including vitamins, supplements, and herbs. Doing so can help avoid potential drug interactions that may be harmful to you.
It could also prevent your doctor from prescribing another drug that is similar to one you’re already taking. This can help decrease the likelihood of adverse reactions.
Labels provide essential information, which helps you take your medication safely and as prescribed.
If you have trouble seeing the print on your medication labels, ask your pharmacist if they can help. They may provide labels with larger print, braille, or a smartphone code that converts text to speech after you scan it. This can make label reading more accessible.
You may want to consider having a magnifying glass on hand to view labels. This will help you identify your medications and see dosage instructions, letting you know how much medication to take and how often. You can also consider making your own large-print labels for easier viewing.
Maintaining a consistent medication schedule can lessen the chances of missing doses or taking them incorrectly. Medication management tools that may help you keep track of your medications include:
- placing a schedule or note where you’re most likely to see it, such as on your refrigerator door or bathroom mirror
- using a medication reminder, such as an alarm or a medication app on your phone
- using a weekly pill organizer to sort your pills and plan your medications
- refilling your pill organizer on the same day and at the same time each week
By maintaining a routine, taking medications becomes a habit. This makes it easier to remember and include them in your everyday life.
Practicing medication safety can help older adults manage health conditions more effectively. Understanding your medications, asking your doctor questions, and maintaining a regular schedule can help avoid potential problems that may happen with taking a drug incorrectly.