According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, the older we get, the more likely we are to use more prescription and nonprescription medicines. Some older adults face challenges with remembering to take these medications or organizing them effectively. This can increase the chance of harmful side effects, drug interactions, and other medication-related problems (MRPs).
The risk of MRPs is higher for older adults who:
- are aged 75 and older.
- live alone.
- have been diagnosed with chronic disease.
- have a high clinical complexity of care (with a high number of medications, a high number of doses per day, and a high number of prescribing providers).
Common MRPs in older adults include taking the incorrect dosage, continuing unnecessary medications, not following prescription directives, and adverse drug reactions. The good news is that most MRPs are preventable with effective medication management and communication between the patient and/or their caregiver, the physician and the pharmacist. When this team approach is accomplished, medication-related problems can be avoided, contributing to better outcomes and improved daily functioning.
Whether you are organizing your own list of prescriptions, or helping an aging loved one, read below for important information about proper medication management.
Make a List
It’s important to write out a list of all medicines, both for yourself and for the person you are caring for. Keep these lists up to date with as much relevant information as possible.
What to keep in mind:
- Include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, other nutritional products, and herbal remedies on the list. Remember to also list medications that are not pills, such as patches, inhalers, injections, creams, and ointments.
- Include the name of each medicine or supplement, the amount you take, and when you take it. If it’s a prescription drug, note who prescribed it and why.
- Keep one copy at home and another with you (in your wallet, purse or cellphone).
- Share the lists with your doctors or the doctors of the person you are caring for. Bring the list with you to all healthcare professional visits. Write down any questions you have about your medicines so you can remember to ask during your appointment. This is especially important after you’ve been in the hospital or have seen another provider.
Follow Proper Instructions
As many as half of older adults don’t follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations about how to take their medications. Remember, even the best medicines are less likely to be effective if not taken correctly.
What to keep in mind:
- Take your medicine regularly and follow your health care professional’s instructions. Talk to your physician or pharmacist if you are having adverse side effects.
- Do not take prescription medication that has not been prescribed specifically for you. Doctors consider many factors, including allergies and drug interactions, before prescribing medication for someone.
- Don’t skip doses or stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting your health care professional, even if you’re feeling better or think the medicine isn’t working.
- Be certain that you understand and are comfortable with preparing the proper dosage and administering medicines that require special instructions, like injections. A health care professional can and should instruct you on the proper techniques.
- Discuss potential medication interactions and side effects with a health care provider. Some medications should not be taken with alcohol, because it can result in loss of coordination, memory problems, sleepiness and falls.
Proper Medication Storage
Make sure your medicines remain safe and effective by storing them properly. Medicines that aren’t stored properly may not work as well or may cause harm, even if they are not expired.
What to keep in mind:
- Store all of your medications in one designated location in your home, unless they require refrigeration or are labeled “store in a cool place.”
- Medications stored in the refrigerator should be separated from other items in the refrigerator. Consider a plastic box or container to store them in.
- Do not mix different medications together in one container; this will make it difficult to identify your medications in an emergency.
- Be sure that your medications are stored out of reach of any children. If you are caring for someone with cognitive or memory problems, be sure all medications are safely stored away.
- Check the expiration dates on your medication and discard any discontinued and expired medicines as soon as possible.
Get Help From Your Pharmacist
When you go to pick up a medication from the pharmacy counter, it’s a great opportunity to get clarification and advice for managing your medications.
What to keep in mind:
- Use the same pharmacy for all your prescriptions. That way, your health care providers can make one phone call to get any information they may need.
- Contact the pharmacy about available medication management services. Many pharmacies offer individual dose packaging options. If your pharmacy doesn’t offer this service, you can use a medication planner or pill organizer to distinguish the days and times certain medications should be taken.
- Contact the pharmacy about the possibility for medication synchronization. This allows patients to fill most medications at one time every 30 or 90 days, instead of refill cycles scattered throughout the month.
- If you or your loved one has difficulty reading, understanding, or remembering directions on labels, or trouble opening containers, the pharmacist may make accommodations.
- If the medications being prescribed to you are too expensive to buy, some drug companies have a patient assistance program to help those who cannot afford their medicines. There may also be government programs that can help. Your health care provider or pharmacist may be able to point you toward these resources.
Sources: National Institutes of Health, U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Family Caregiver Alliance, HealthinAging.org, Rush University Medical Center, Mayo Clinic Health System
