Important safety tips for older adults taking medication

Important safety tips for older adults taking medication

Whether you're settling into your 60s or heading into your 90s, be careful when taking medications, herbal preparations, and supplements.

Why the special concern? The older we get, the more likely we are to use more prescription and over-the-counter (or over-the-counter) medications. This may increase the chance of harmful side effects and drug interactions.

As we age, physical changes can affect the way our bodies handle medications and how medicines work in our bodies, leading to potential complications. For example, your liver and kidneys may not function as well as they used to, which affects how a drug breaks down and leaves your body.

If you have questions about medications, call 1-855-543-3784 and 1-301-796-3400 or contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Drug Information Division. [email protected]. Our pharmacists are experts at interpreting information for patients.

Even if your medications have worked well for you over the years, they may need to be adjusted or changed later in life. Here are some important security tips to keep in mind:

1. Take medications as prescribed and with input from your healthcare professional

Take your medication regularly and follow your healthcare professional's instructions. If you experience bothersome side effects or have other questions about your medications, speak to a healthcare professional.

Do not take any prescription medication that your healthcare professional has not prescribed for you. Doctors consider many factors, including allergies and drug interactions, before prescribing medication for someone.

Taking someone else's prescription medication may result in unexpected side effects or dangerous reactions. For example:

• Wenn Sie ein Symptom wie Schmerzen haben, könnte sich Ihr medizinisches Problem verschlimmern.
• Der Missbrauch von Medikamenten kann zu Sucht führen.

Do not skip doses or stop any prescribed medication without first consulting your healthcare provider, even if you feel better or think the medicine is not working. Failure to take your medication as prescribed could result in worsening of your illness, hospitalization, or even death.

For example, many antibiotics must be taken full-time, even after your symptoms have disappeared. Otherwise, you risk the infection returning and in a severe form.

The best medicine in the world won't work if you don't take it correctly. For example, medications that treat chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes only work when taken regularly and as directed. These diseases can cause damage to your body that can be difficult to notice before something is wrong.

Medication dosage is based on clinical studies. Every medication is different and is tested accordingly. This is one reason why you should choose or change a dose yourself.

If you have trouble remembering how and when to take your medications, talk to your pharmacist or other professional. They may have suggestions and tools to help you take the right medicine, at the right dose, and at the right time.

2. Store your medications properly and check the expiration date

Ensure your medications remain safe and effective by storing them properly. Medications that are not stored properly may not work as well or cause harm, even if they have not expired.

Be sure to read the information provided to you to find specific storage instructions for your medication. Most medications are best stored up and away in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing medications to extremely high or low temperatures. For example, do not leave them in the car in summer or winter. Some medications need to be kept in the refrigerator.

Be sure to keep all medications away from children. Children are particularly at risk of accidental poisoning and may take a medication because it looks like candy. If you have questions about how to store your medications safely, contact your pharmacist or doctor.

There is potential harm from taking expired medications or medications stored in extreme temperatures. If the medicine has deteriorated, weakened or deteriorated over time, it may not work as intended. Worse, it could become harmful and cause unwanted side effects. People with serious or life-threatening illnesses may be at higher risk of potential harm from expired medications.

Check the expiration dates for your medications and discard any unused or expired medications as soon as possible.

3.. Be aware of possible drug interactions and side effects

Even common foods and drinks can cause serious drug interactions. One example is grapefruit juice, which can affect how well some medications work and can cause dangerous side effects.

Some medications should not be taken with alcohol because it can cause loss of coordination, memory problems, drowsiness, and falls.

Interactions can occur when:

• Ihr medizinischer Zustand macht ein Medikament potenziell schädlich.
• Eines Ihrer Medikamente wirkt sich auf die Art und Weise aus, wie Ihre andere Medizin funktioniert und gefährliche Nebenwirkungen verursacht.
• Eine pflanzliche Vorbereitung oder Ergänzung verändert die Art und Weise, wie ein anderes Medikament funktioniert.
• Ein Essen oder ein Getränk (mit oder ohne Alkohol) reagiert mit Ihren Medikamenten oder verändert die Art und Weise, wie Ihr Körper Ihre Medizin absorbiert.

Learn about possible interactions and side effects of your medications by reading your medicine labels. Also check any special instructions from your healthcare professional.

Some medications can cause side effects that mimic other health problems such as memory problems, dizziness, and sleepiness. Ask your healthcare professional if any new problems you are having are caused by your medications.

4. Keep a medication list

Log all medications you take, including OTC medications, vitamins, and supplements. The list should include the name of each medication or supplement, the amount you are taking, and when you take it. If it's a prescription drug, note who prescribed it and why.

Keep the list updated and show it to all your healthcare providers, including physical therapists and dentists. Keep one copy at home and another with you (in your wallet, purse, or cell phone).

5. Do you have a question? Contact pharmacists for FDA drug information.

If you have any doubts, contact and ask our pharmacists.

• Per E-Mail: [email protected]
• Telefonisch: 1-855-543-3784 und 1-301-796-3400

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