People in the 65-plus group are the biggest consumers
of prescribed and over-the-counter medications. On
average they take at least five prescription medications
and two over-the- counter ones, according to research. Every
medication carries some risk, due to potential mismanagement
(known as non-compliance), as well as possible side
effects, allergic reactions or interactions with other
drugs, alcohol or food. Add to this the fact that older
adults are generally more sensitive to drugs - owing
to slower metabolisms and organ functions - and the
potential for problems is even greater.
Knowledge is the best tool care givers can arm
themselves with to ensure that their loved ones - consumption
of medications is not causing more harm than good.
When improperly used, medications meant to help with
health problems can actually cause them. Quality of life
is reduced and hospitalization or institutionalization,
or sometimes even death, can result. The cost to individuals,
in terms of well-being and independence, and also to
the health care system, can be high. Following are tips
to guide you in effectively managing your loved one's
medications.
Memory aids: write out the daily medication schedule
or ask the pharmacist for a chart to fill in. Keep it
handy. Give medication at regularly scheduled times each
day. Try coordinating it with regular activities, such
as meal time (if they can be taken with food), a favourite
television show or bedtime. When a new medication is
prescribed, request the easiest possible dosing schedule.
Post notes to yourself in prominent places to help you
remember the regimen until a routine is established.
Consult the pharmacist regarding available aids and programs
for organizing and remembering to take medications, such
as logs, weekly pill boxes (known as dosettes), special
blister packs and portable alarm systems. Communicating
with health professionals. Accompany your loved one to
medical and pharmacy visits. Share his/her complete health
history. Bring a notepad and pen to record information
and instructions.
Use one pharmacy for all medication needs. If you're
unsure about the instructions on a label, or have any
concerns regarding side effects, consult the pharmacist.
Inform the doctor or pharmacist if medication doesn't
seem to be effective or if unexpected symptoms appear.
Talk to the pharmacist before using any over-the-counter
medication, such as pain relievers, laxatives or heartburn
remedies. Maintain an up-to-date list of all medications
- prescription and non-prescription drugs as well as
vitamins and herbal medicines Ñ your relative
takes, including the dosage. Keep a photocopy with you.
Give it to hospital staff if he/she has an emergency
or planned admission. It's also wise to keep a list of
medications your loved one can't tolerate and why.
Inform the doctor and/or pharmacist if your relative
smokes or drinks alcohol, as this may alter the effectiveness
of certain medications. Also advise of any known or suspected
food or drug allergies.
Tell the doctor if your loved one is seeing other health
care providers and advise the pharmacist of prescription
medications obtained elsewhere. Ask the doctor or pharmacist
to regularly do a medication review. Post doctors' and
pharmacy telephone numbers by the phone. Choosing a pharmacy:
when selecting a pharmacy, consider the following: hours
of operation, dispensing fee, delivery service (preferably
free), patient profiles, medication information sheets
and medication reminder programs (including cost).
More tips: before giving a new medication, thoroughly
read the information sheet supplied by the pharmacist,
as well as the medication label. If you have any questions,
call the pharmacy to obtain clarification. Keep sheets
together in a labelled file folder for easy reference.
Carefully follow all instructions.
If opening pill bottles is difficult, ask the pharmacist
for easy-to-open caps. If you have visual problems, ask
for large typing on labels, plus non-block letters. You
might also want to request a duplicate, large-print label
on a flat surface, such as a medication information sheet
or a blank piece of paper. Ensure bright light and use
a magnifying glass to check labels before giving out
medication. Ask the pharmacist's advice before crushing
or splitting tablets.
Don't cut short a course of treatment without consulting
the doctor. Never share or borrow medicine. Storage tips:
Keep medicine in its original container, away from heat,
light and moisture (don't store it in the bathroom) and
out of the sight and reach of grandchildren, as well
as your loved one if he/she has memory problems. Store
yours and your relative's medications separately.
Never use medicine that's discoloured or has an unusual
smell; return it to the pharmacy. Also return any expired
or no longer needed substances to avoid inadvertently
using them and for proper disposal.
Financial considerations. For many seniors, purchasing
medication consumes a sizable chunk of their monthly
income and can influence their compliance. Here's how
to help keep costs manageable: call area pharmacies to
compare prices. If another pharmacy has a lower price,
see if yours will match it. Take advantage of pharmacy
discount programs. Ask the pharmacist if you might qualify
for any drug company or government assistance programs.
Ask the doctor for free drug samples of newly prescribed
medication, so you can try it out at no cost. Ask the
doctor to prescribe generic (non-brand name) medications
whenever possible or ask the pharmacist to substitute
a generic drug if a comparable, less costly product is
available. Find out if it's cheaper to buy larger quantities
of a drug that's needed on an on-going basis. Just ensure
it can be used up before it expires.
Lisa M. Petsche is a freelance writer and medical
social worker specializing in geriatrics.
Final thoughts
For
every medication your loved one takes, be sure you know
the following: brand name and generic name, plus dosage;
what condition it's for; what it's supposed to do and
how soon you can expect results; where to store it; when
and how it should be taken and for how long; any substances
(alcohol or certain foods or over-the-counter medications)
or activities to avoid while it's in use; possible side
effects and what to do if they occur; what to do if a
dose gets missed or you run out of medication; and who
to contact if you have a question or run into problems.
Knowledge is power and will help you significantly reduce
your relative's risk of medication- related problems. |
