By Shannin Prather
January 2017 | 2017 Winter Newsletter
As our bodies mature, we are often prescribed numerous medications to maintain our health. According to a 2010 article in American Nurse Today, “44% of men and 57% of women older than age 65 take five or more medications per week.”
In addition to prescriptions, an estimated 90% of seniors use over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, and/or vitamins which are not reported to their doctors. Older adults and individuals with disabilities may metabolize drugs differently; and may be more susceptible to negative medication interactions and side effects. Protect yourself by learning about possible side effects and negative interactions of your prescriptions and over-the counter drugs.
Learn how to safely use your medications: Drug Interactions are a Special Concern. Adverse drug reactions are among the top five health threats to seniors. Combining prescribed medications with over-the-counter medicines and/or herbal remedies can cause negative reactions. To prevent negative drug interactions, inform your doctor about all medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins that you are taking. Keep a list of all current medications and bring it to every doctor’s appointment.
Take Medications as Directed and Learn about Side Effects. Seniors and individuals with disabilities can be especially sensitive to new medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible side effects of prescribed medications, and how they may react with other medicines that you take.
Most pharmacies provide written instructions regarding how and when to take new medications and information about possible side effects. Read this information carefully and retain it for future reference. When you begin a new medication, inform your care provider. Understanding your possible side effects will help them to best care for you.
Skipping Doses Can Be Just as Dangerous as Taking a Double Dose. Low income individuals are concerned about the cost of medications and may try to make their prescription last longer. Skipping prescribed doses of a medication may reduce the effectiveness of the medication and interfere with important health benefits. For help with paying for medications, check into prescription assistance programs and supplemental drug plans.
Be mindful of the medications you take and follow the instructions of your doctor. To learn more about resources that can help with the cost of your medications, contact a Sourcewise Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1.
As our bodies mature, we are often prescribed numerous medications to maintain our health. According to a 2010 article in American Nurse Today, “44% of men and 57% of women older than age 65 take five or more medications per week.”
In addition to prescriptions, an estimated 90% of seniors use over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, and/or vitamins which are not reported to their doctors. Older adults and individuals with disabilities may metabolize drugs differently; and may be more susceptible to negative medication interactions and side effects. Protect yourself by learning about possible side effects and negative interactions of your prescriptions and over-the counter drugs.
Learn how to safely use your medications: Drug Interactions are a Special Concern. Adverse drug reactions are among the top five health threats to seniors. Combining prescribed medications with over-the-counter medicines and/or herbal remedies can cause negative reactions. To prevent negative drug interactions, inform your doctor about all medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins that you are taking. Keep a list of all current medications and bring it to every doctor’s appointment.
Take Medications as Directed and Learn about Side Effects. Seniors and individuals with disabilities can be especially sensitive to new medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible side effects of prescribed medications, and how they may react with other medicines that you take.
Most pharmacies provide written instructions regarding how and when to take new medications and information about possible side effects. Read this information carefully and retain it for future reference. When you begin a new medication, inform your care provider. Understanding your possible side effects will help them to best care for you.
Skipping Doses Can Be Just as Dangerous as Taking a Double Dose. Low income individuals are concerned about the cost of medications and may try to make their prescription last longer. Skipping prescribed doses of a medication may reduce the effectiveness of the medication and interfere with important health benefits. For help with paying for medications, check into prescription assistance programs and supplemental drug plans.
Be mindful of the medications you take and follow the instructions of your doctor. To learn more about resources that can help with the cost of your medications, contact a Sourcewise Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1.