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TAKING MEDS SAFELY: SIX WAYS TO KEEP YOUR LOVED ONE SAFE

According to a new 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 a lot to minimize the risk of a bad event related to a medication,” says Registered Nurse June Raffington, regional director and nurse care manager with VNSNY CHOICE Health Plans from the not-for-profit Visiting Nurse Service of New York.  “When patients are engaged in their own care, they feel a sense of independence that positively impacts their general health and wellbeing.  With this in mind, we work very closely with each individual to ensure that they understand why they’ve been prescribed certain medications, and we monitor to ensure that they’re being taken safely and consistently.”

Raffington shares six ways for you and your loved ones to take medications safely:

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1.  Make a List. Keep a personal record of all the meds your loved one is taking, including the name of the medication, the dosage instructions, the reason it was prescribed and the name and number of the doctor who prescribed it.  “Don’t forget to include over-the-counter meds and herbal supplements, too,” says Raffington.

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2. Take All Medications to the Doctor. Researchers have found that seniors receiving medications from four or more prescribers were 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. It is important to keep your doctors informed so they can help figure out 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, it’s imperative to ask the physician and pharmacist these key questions: Why has this been 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 Raffington. “Something that seems harmless cause an adverse reaction.  Grapefruit juice, licorice, chocolate, alcohol and other food and beverages are known to increase side-effect risks with certain medications.”

 

4. Change Dosage.  Open a dialog with the prescribing physicians about possibly lowering the number of different pills taken throughout the day.  Studies show that 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 Raffington. “The moisture and heat can impact potency.” Knowing how to properly take and store your medications not only helps them work most effectively, but may save your life. 

 

6. Box Them.  June Raffington encourages members to get a pill box that has 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 visitwww.VNSNYCHOICE.org.

 

 

SOURCES: 

 

HealthDay, Feb. 19, 2014: Many U.S. Seniors Get Prescription Painkillers From Multiple Doctors,http://consumer.healthday.com/senior-citizen-information-31/misc-aging-news-10/one-third-of-elderly-patients-get-potent-painkillers-from-multiple-doctors-685010.html

 

 

Wall Street Journal Health, Nov. 25, 2011:  Common Drugs the Culprit in Most ER Visits by Seniors, Study Finds,http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204630904577056562539600468.html

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