Protecting Against Medication Risks
By Libet Callahan

Rockland - According to the National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE), two out of every three doctor visits result in the prescribing of a medication, with a total of 3.5 billion prescriptions dispensed every year. Prescription management and education is particularly important for seniors because they tend to take more medications.

According to a news release from the National Council on Aging and CVS Pharmacy, 50 percent of seniors take an average of eight medications or more regularly. Since the risk of experiencing side effects increases with the number of prescriptions taken, seniors have a high risk of encountering an adverse reaction from their medications. As our bodies change with age, our tolerance and reaction to different medication can change, as well.

A senior may suddenly start to experience side effects from a prescription that they have been taking for years without any issues.

NCPIE advises all prescription users to “Be Med-Wise” and practice safe medicine use by focusing on the “3Rs” - Risk, Respect and Responsibility. I recommend to all my clients that they implement these top “9 Best Practices” for senior medication safety.

1. Always keep a complete, updated list of medications, including prescriptions, over the counter medications, vitamins and supplements. Give a copy to family members and others who may need to know in an emergency, such as a close neighbor or medical proxy. Show this list to all physicians you see at every visit. Placing this list on the refrigerator or other visible spot in your home is also a good idea.

2. Use only one pharmacy. People usually see several doctors to address different problems, so prescriptions can’t be managed through a primary physician as they used to be. Going through the same pharmacy for all prescriptions will create one more check-point to make sure prescriptions won’t mix dangerously.

3. Know your medications. Read the information that comes with each medication, know the purpose and be aware of their side effects.

4. Only take medications as directed. If you feel a change needs to be made, talk to the physician who prescribed it; never self-medicate.

5. Store medications in a cool, dry place at moderate temperature; do not store in areas where temperatures vary greatly (sunny windowsill) or where it gets humid (like the medicine cabinet in the bathroom). Know what prescriptions need to be stored in the refrigerator.

6. If you are taking a prescription talk to a doctor before adding a new medication, vitamin or supplement to your routine.

7. Do not share prescriptions with others, no matter what. Even the same medication can come in pills of varying dosages, and even a small amount of difference in dosages can make a big difference to your body.

8. Get rid of expired prescriptions, even if you haven’t used all of them yet. Prescriptions change as they age, meaning they will mix differently with your body and other prescriptions and can lead to dangerous adverse reactions.

9. Speak up—keep the conversation going with your physicians and pharmacy. Ask questions and voice your concerns. You know your body best, and when it comes to your health, there are no bad or “dumb” questions.

If applicable, use medication management tools like pill organizers, reminder services, electronic pill dispensers or in-home services to ensure that medications are taken properly. Missing a dosage, confusing pills or other innocent medication mistakes can have serious ramifications.

About The Author

Libet Callahan RN, BSN is the President and Owner of Right at Home Homecare in Rockland and serves families throughout the South Shore. Right at Home provides companion, homemaker and personal care services that enable seniors and others to remain in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible. Libet is a graduate of Columbia University School of Nursing and has worked in community nursing on the South Shore for many years. Libet may be reached at (781) 681-3545 or email at libet@rah-southshore.com.