Managing medicines safely: a guide for families
Older adults often take several medicines, which can raise the risk of side effects and of problems from mixing them. This guide covers keeping track, common risks, getting a review and what to ask a care community.
General information only. This guide is not medical, legal or financial advice. Talk with a physician, and with an elder-law or financial professional where money or legal papers are involved, about your own situation.
Keeping an up-to-date list
A written list helps every doctor and pharmacist see the whole picture. Include prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements.
- The name of each medicine and how much is taken
- What time or times of day it is taken
- For prescriptions, who prescribed it and why
- A copy at home and one in a wallet or purse, shown at every visit
- Medicines stored out of reach of children and pets, with prescription pain medicines locked away
Common risks
Taking many medicines can raise the risk of side effects. Mixing some prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines and supplements can also be dangerous.
Changes in the body with age can affect how well a medicine works, too.
- Taking two products that share the same active ingredient
- Taking more than the label says, or skipping doses
- Combining medicines that can slow reactions, such as some sleep and allergy medicines
- Using medicines past their expiration date
- Taking medicine in the dark, which can lead to mistakes
Getting a review
A doctor or pharmacist can look at everything a person takes together. Never start, stop or change a medicine without talking with them first.
- At each visit, ask whether every medicine is still needed
- Use one pharmacy where you can, so it can spot a new medicine that may clash
- Ask the pharmacist about larger print labels or bottles that are easier to open
- Ask where and how each medicine should be stored
- Bring a friend or relative to appointments to help remember what was said
Questions for a care community
If a parent will get help with medicines in a care community, ask how it works:
- Who gives medicines, and what training do they have?
- How do you keep each resident's medicine list up to date?
- Which pharmacy do you use, and can we keep our current one?
- Where are medicines stored, and are they locked?
- How will the family hear about a missed dose or a new medicine?
Frequently asked questions
Not without asking first. The National Institute on Aging advises talking with the doctor, because some medicines need to be stopped slowly and others taken until finished.
The FDA says a drug take-back site or a mail-back envelope is the first choice for most medicines. If neither is available, the FDA explains how to use household trash, and which few medicines to flush.
Yes. The National Institute on Aging suggests telling the doctor about every medicine and supplement, including herbal remedies and ones used only now and then.
Sources
SeniorLeaf is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations listed here.