Medication Safety Tips for Older Adults
Medication Safety is very important for old age adults who are on medication for various health reasons. Below are important Medication Safety Tips for them to follow for safe medicine consumption and avoid side effects.
- Take your medicine as prescribed. This means taking the right dose, at the right time, and for the right amount of time. Don’t skip doses, even if you feel better. And don’t take more than the prescribed amount.
- Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medications can interact with each other and cause harmful side effects.
- Talk to your doctor about any side effects, you experience from your medications. Even if the side effects seem minor, it’s important to let your doctor know.
- Use a pill organizer or reminder system. This can help you make sure you don’t miss any doses of your medication.
- Store your medications safely. Keep them in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children and pets. Don’t store them in the bathroom, where they can be exposed to heat and moisture.
- Get rid of expired medications safely. Don’t flush them down the toilet or throw them in the trash. Ask your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of expired medications.
- Talk to your doctor about alternative therapies. There may be alternative therapies that can help you manage your health condition without the need for medication.
In addition to these general tips, there are some specific things to keep in mind for older adults:
- Older adults are more likely to take multiple medications. This can increase the risk of side effects and interactions. It’s important to be extra careful about following your doctor’s instructions and talking to your doctor about any concerns you have.
- Older adults may have changes in their body that affect how medications work. These changes can include changes in kidney function, liver function, and metabolism. It’s important to talk to your doctor about how these changes may affect your medications.
- Older adults may be more likely to have cognitive impairment. This can make it difficult to remember to take medications as prescribed. If you have cognitive impairment, talk to your doctor or caregiver about ways to help you manage your medications.
By following these above Medication Safety Tips, older adults can help stay safe and healthy while taking medications.
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