The Safe Use of Prescription Drugs

It may surprise you to know according to the Department of Health and Human Services, fifty-five percent of seniors are non-compliant with prescription drug orders and do not take medication as prescribed by their doctors. It is a serious problem as approximately 200,000 older adults are hospitalized annually due to adverse drug reactions.

Medical professionals say there are steps seniors and those who care for an elderly loved one can do to help lessen the problem. To start with, take medications as prescribed including the correct dosage and time, with or without food, and never crush a pill into a powder. Especially if you see multiple doctors, be sure to always bring a list and dosage of all medications you are taking including non-prescription and herbal supplements.

Experts say using the same pharmacy can help reduce drug interactions, and to be sure to read the warnings regarding adverse reactions. Periodically review your prescriptions with your doctors to make sure you are taking the right dosage and still need the medications. To see if any meds you take have a warning for usage in the elderly, check the American Geriatric Society’s Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults. It is also recommended you properly dispose of older medications and drugs you no longer take.

If you are on medications to treat diabetes or high blood pressure, you need to continue to test your glucose level and BP numbers. Other drugs may be prescribed with the understanding you will have your blood tested periodically and it is important to follow through as too high or too low of a dosage can cause problems.

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Sources: seniorsafetyreviews.com/13-medication-safety-tips/
agingcare.com/articles/medication-problems-elderly-people-have-146111.htm