Skip Navigation Links

MEDICATION SAFETY FOR THE CLASS OF '57

"Medicines" for the purpose of this discussion include all drugs prescribed by your doctors, over-the counter drugs you may take at your own discretion (claritin for your allergies, tylenol for headaches, melatonin for jet lag etc), herbal medications, and dietary supplements.

We are now on a new playing field. As we get older, our bodies may react to medications in atypical ways. Kidney and liver ailments increase the likelihood of unusual reactions. We are taking more medications. It is said that people over 65 take an average of 5. Many of the newer drugs are large molecules with more chance of side effects. Of the 20-30 drugs approved by the FDA each year, 2-3 will be off the market in 3 years and 50% will have additional warnings on the label. Up to 40% of Americans are using alternative therapies whose side effects and drug interactions are, in many cases, unknown.

So here are some suggestions to ensure that those medications are doing the good they are meant to:

AT HOME

  1. Keep a list of the medications you are taking including the dose and how often you take the medication. Do not forget meds you take occasionally, herbals etc. Noting the imprint and color of the pill can help you identify the drug when you get refills. Also include your food and drug allergies. Present a copy of this list to each new physician you go to and keep a copy in your wallet.
  2. Change the list when you change what you are taking or after having an unusual reaction.
  3. REPORT ANY UNUSUAL SYMPTOMS THAT MAY BE SIDE EFFECTS OF YOUR MEDICATION.
  4. Keep medications in their original containers and store as directed (refrigerate, keep out of sunlight etc.)
  5. Never take someone else's medication.
  6. Read the label when you take the medication or place it in the weekly pill containers that simplify many of our lives.
  7. Keep your medications separate from those of other family members.
  8. Store all medications where children can't reach them. DO NOT CARRY THEM IN YOUR POCKETBOOK WHERE TODDLERS LOVE TO EXPLORE.
  9. Don't chew, crush of break any capsules or tablets unless instructed.
  10. Use accurate measuring device when taking liquids.
  11. THROW AWAY UNUSED MEDICATIONS PROMPTLY AND CAREFULLY!