Twenty five percent of all yearly hospital and nursing home admissions by people ages 65 and older are attributed to a failure to take prescription medications as directed.
Failure to take prescribed medications is the primary factor behind hospital re-admissions.
With nearly half of the senior population taking over two medications daily, it is important to properly manage your medicine regimen.
Here are some medication management tips: • Learn about your medicine: Make sure to discuss your new medications and drug history with your doctor.
Take the time to read the label on the medication bottle.
If you experience any side effects or reactions with your medications, don't hesitate to contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• Make a list: Keep a written record of your medicines that you can use as a reference.
The list should include all of the prescription and non-prescription medications you take, along with what time to take it and instructions on how to take it.
• Rely on one pharmacy for your medication needs: Going to the same pharmacist to fill your prescriptions is a good way to create your own personal medication management resource.
Developing a relationship with your local pharmacist allows them to provide better assistance in identifying any potential medication interaction issues.
• Safe Storage: Keep your medications all in one place if possible and out of reach from dogs and children.
Some drugs need to be stored in dry places, while others need to be refrigerated.
Check with your pharmacist about this.
• Get organized: Use a daily pillbox organizer.
These boxes have one compartment for each day of the week.
Some even have additional sections for different times of the day.
Lastly, when in doubt, don't forget to ask.
Here are some important medications questions to ask your doctor: • Does the medications have a generic equivalent? • How will I benefit by taking this medication? • What dosage should I take? • Does it matter if I take my prescription on a full stomach? • Am I taking this medication for the long or short term? • Do you have any recommendations in the event that I accidentally miss a dose? • Are there any foods, drinks, activities or other medications that could interfere with the effectiveness of the drug? • Where should I store the medicine? • Am I able to set-up automatic refills for this medication with my pharmacist?