By June Raffington, R.N.
According to a recent study, approximately one-third of older adults get their prescription medications from multiple doctors. As the number of prescribers increase, the risk of drug-related hospitalization also increases with complications ranging from breathing problems to drowsiness, to injuries from falls. The study is a pressing reminder of the importance of taking medications safely.
“Patients or their caregivers can do much to minimize the risk of a bad event related to a medication,” says Katherine Browne, a registered nurse with VNSNY CHOICE Health Plans from the not-for-profit Visiting Nurse Service of New York. “Taking the right safety precautions is one important way for seniors to live independently in their own homes.”
Browne shares six ways for you and your loved ones to take medications safely:
1. Make a List. Keep a personal record of all the meds your loved one is taking, including the name of the medication, dosage instructions, reason it was prescribed and name and number of the doctor who prescribed it. “Don’t forget to include over-the-counter meds and herbal supplements, too,” says Browne.
2. Take All Medications to the Doctor. Researchers say seniors receiving medications from four or more prescribers are twice as likely to be hospitalized for narcotics-related complications than those receiving the same number of prescriptions from a single provider. If you’re unsure about your meds, put everything in a bag and bring them to your doctor. Keep your doctors informed so they can help determine the safest way to take your painkillers.
3. Ask Questions. Don’t be afraid to speak up. Every time a new med is recommended or prescribed, ask the physician and pharmacist these key questions: Why is this being prescribed? How does it work? How can I tell if the drug is working? What are the possible side effects? Is this safe to take with other prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs? “Also ask about the risk of mixing food and drink with your meds,” says Browne. “Something that seems harmless may cause an adverse reaction. Grapefruit juice, licorice, chocolate, alcohol and other foods and beverages are known to interact adversely with certain medications.”
4. Change Dosage. Open a dialog with prescribing physicians about possibly lowering the number of different pills taken throughout the day. Studies show the more pills a person takes, the less likely they are to adhere to the schedule and dosage.
5. Store Smart. “I advise my patients not to keep their meds in the bathroom or the kitchen,” cautions Browne. “Moisture and heat can impact potency.” Knowing how to properly take and store your medications helps them work most effectively, and may save your life.
6. Box Them. Katherine Browne encourages members to get a pillbox with labeled compartments for each day of the week. “There are even ones labeled ‘take with meals’ or ‘take at bedtime’ and ones that beep when it’s time for a dose,” she says.
For more information about VNSNY CHOICE Health Plans from the not-for-profit Visiting Nurse Service of New York, please call 1-855-AT-CHOICE (1-855-282-4642) or visit www.VNSNYCHOICE.org.
