Medication Errors and Seniors

Do you take multiple medications every day? Tracking the medications you take can be tough for many seniors. Yet it's important to do everything you can to avoid medication errors. At the minimum, errors can keep you from feeling your best. But at the worst, they can lead to hospitalization or even death. Take action to prevent mistakes at the doctor's office, pharmacy, and hospital, as well as at home. You don't have to be a trained medical professional to ask questions or to follow safe medicine handling procedures at home.

Questions For Doctors
Before you just take a prescription to the pharmacy, know what your getting into with certain medications:

• What does this medication treat?
• How will I know if the medication is working well?
• What are common side effects?
• What if I miss a dose?
• Are there special instructions, such as to take before breakfast or avoid certain foods?
• Can I drink alcohol if I take this medication?
• Should I use care with any activities, such as driving?
• Does this interact with any other medications I take?
• Does the medication require special storage?
• Should this medication be chewed, crushed, dissolved, or swallowed?

Doctor Visit Action List
Try this list when you're getting ready to go to the doctor:

• Bring a list of current medications, along with dosages and directions, especially if you see more than one doctor
• Add information on any over-the-counter products or supplements taken and record any allergies
• Explain any new symptoms, which may be due to health changes or the sign of medication-related problems
• Ask your doctor to explain the drug name and any instructions written on a prescription, as well as to add the purpose on the prescription
• Make sure your doctor checks your current medications for interactions with any samples you are given

Safeguards During Hospital Stays
If you go to the hospital and are given medication, make sure you understand the safety issues:

• Take medications with you at check-in and then send them home with your family once your doctor has seen them -- the hospital will dispense your medications during your stay
• Ask the name of each medication prior to taking it
• Have the staff check your ID bracelet before you accept any medications
• Remind staff of any allergies to dyes, medications, or foods
• Upon checkout go through the medication list with a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist

Safe Medication Practices By You, the Patient
Before you leave the doctor's office, he or she will tell you how to take your new medications.  But sometimes it's hard to remember those instructions.  Be safe about it:

• Update medication lists as changes are made
• Fill all prescriptions at the same pharmacy
• Contact your pharmacist if your medication label seems different or if the color, size, shape, or smell has changed on a medication
• Read patient information sheets
• Never take medication that isn't prescribed for you
• Turn on the lights when taking medications
• Don't store medications in bathroom medicine cabinets or direct sunlight
• If you have children visit, store your medications in a locked box or cabinet
• Use medication reminders, such as pill box organizers, prescription bottle caps that monitor how often a bottle cap has been opened, containers that beep to tell you when it's time for a pill, medical watches with multiple alarms, vibrating pagers, and countdown timers

Medication: it's not just up to doctors, medical personnel, and family -- it's up to you. And who is better qualified to care about your health than you?