Safe Use of Medications Key to Better Health
These days, with the COVID-19 scare, fewer people are headed to the drug store and opting instead for mail orders. Yet, many people still feel safer with the local pharmacist.
If you go to the pharmacy, you probably notice many older people waiting in line. This hasn't changed much over the decades. Older people face more chronic health problems and take many prescription medications to address these health issues. After we reach 50, we start getting diagnosed with chronic health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or arthritis. The health problems seem to pile on as we get into our retirement years. The more conditions, the more likely we may have drugs to treat those conditions.
Prescription drug use increases with age. Three-quarters of those age 50 to 64 use prescription drugs, compared to 91 percent of those age 80 and older.
Medications Can Improve Quality of Life
Medicines are used to treat diseases, manage conditions, and relieve symptoms. Medicines are generally safe when used as prescribed. Properly using these medications can provide us with a better quality of health; however, if we don't take medications as prescribed or mix them with some over-the-counter medications or supplements, it can have a detrimental impact on our health.
Sometimes a medication may become less effective because of years of use. Doctors may add additional meds to address the problem. Older people are more susceptible to side effects. Body changes caused by aging can increase the chance of unwanted or maybe even harmful drug interactions.
The more you know about your medicines and the more you talk with your health care professionals, the easier it is to avoid drug interactions. For older family members, it is imperative that a family member or caregiver review the medications used and if the drugs are being taken properly.
Ask Questions
The National Institute on Aging suggests several questions to ask about prescription medications that you should ask for yourself or a loved one:
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What is the name of the medicine, and why was it prescribed?
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What medical condition does this medicine treat?
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How many times a day should the medication be taken? At what time(s)? If the bottle says take "4 times a day," does that mean 4 times in 24 hours or 4 times during the daytime?
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Should the drug be taken with food or not? Are there foods or beverages that should be avoided?
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How long will it take this medicine to work?
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Will other medications being taken cause an adverse interaction?
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Is it safe to drive while taking the medication?
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What does "as needed" mean?
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What should be done if a dose is forgotten?
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What type of side effects are common?
Keep a List of Drugs and Medical Information
Keep a list of all medications you take (prescribed, nonprescription, herbal supplements, home remedies, and medical foods) and drugs you cannot take due to allergic reactions, and share those with your doctor or pharmacist. Check expiration dates on bottles, especially over-the-counter medications that may be used less frequently.
The list should include your medical history and medical and family contacts. For older people, this is vital. Older family members should keep one copy in a safe place at home and one in their wallet or pocketbook. A family member should also have a list.
Having this medical information on hand for paramedics or EMTs is important. Posted on the refrigerator seems a popular option, but there isn't a set location on where to keep this.
Some medications may cause fall risks or memory loss, especially as we age.
Drug-drug interactions happen when two or more medicines react with each other to cause unwanted effects or make either medicine's effects more or less potent. Such interactions may also be caused by alcohol, nutritional supplements or herbal products, and nonprescription medicines as well as prescription medications.
Food-drug interactions happen when medicines react with foods or beverages. For example, grapefruit juice should not be taken with certain blood pressure−lowering medications, and dairy products should be avoided with some antibiotics and antifungal medications.
Pfizer
Six Common Medication-Related Problems in Aging Adults
These are common problems that can cause issues, especially in older people. If you are caring for an aging parent or concerned about your own future down the road, review these from Better Health While Aging website.
Several websites can provide you with information on drug interaction. These include:
Remember, drug interactions can make medications less effective, cause unexpected side effects, or increase the action of a particular drug. Read more about what you should know from the FDA - Drug Interactions: What You Should Know | FDA
Software Helps Pharmacys Promote Safety
Pharmacys use software to ensure safety and improve productivity. One such software is PrimeRx, a comprehensive pharmacy management software. Pharmacists can access a patient’s profile and medication history. The software maintains ongoing records of all prescription medications, immunizations, and notes.
Are You Prepared for Aging?
Preparing before declining health and aging problems arise is a vital part of retirement planning. Advance planning will improve your lifestyle and reduce stress and anxiety. Getting older has many challenges, and you better manage these challenges by being prepared for the costs and burdens of aging.
Long-term health care is a significant concern both financially and emotionally. The increasing cost of long-term health care services adversely affects your lifestyle and legacy. Without planning, family members may have to become caregivers, a job they are neither trained nor prepared to perform.
When the family can no longer deal with being a caregiver, you will have to use your income and assets and pay for professional care. The financial pressure is hard for everyone. The costs are rising rapidly nationwide, and the pressure will be even greater in the decades to come.
Long-Term Health Care Costs Rising Sharply
The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the financial impact where you live - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News.
You could need care for years, depending on your overall health. For example, someone with Alzheimer's or other dementia can go on for years.
Affordable Long-Term Care Insurance can offer you access to your choice of quality care services, relieving the stress on loved ones and protecting your savings. Quality care is essential, so mistakes won't be made like dispensing medications.
Most people obtain coverage in their 50s. Experts suggest seeking the help of a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you navigate the many available options.