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Medication Awareness

Taking medication that has been prescribed to you by your physician can make a difference in your life. Generally people who are 65 or older take more medication than any other age group. You should become familiar with what you need to know about taking your medication.

Helpful tips:

• How often you need to take it.

• Possible side effects.
• When to take medication (night time, day time).
• How the medication will help you.

• Can medication be taken with food / beverage.

Never take another person’s medication. You could be allergic to it and have an adverse reaction. Always advise your physician of any type of allergy to medication or food. Whenever taking medication, follow these simple rules:

• Make sure before leaving the pharmacy that the medication label is meant for you and not for someone else.
• Check the expiration date on bottle.
• Take the right dose.
• Take the right medication for your condition.
• Follow the instructions on the bottle.
• Never mix medications and alcohol.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist of possible side effects.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist of possible interactions with other medication.
• Take medication in an area where there is enough light to see what you are taking.

There are a lot of over-the-counter medications available. When you are purchasing over-the-counter medicine, you should inspect the packaging of these products for any tampering, prior to purchase.

• Check the expiration date on package/bottle.
• Look for the safety seal.
• Never take medication that is damaged or has any rips to box or safety seal.
• Do not take any liquid medication with a foul or pungent smell.
• Never purchase half empty pill bottles. Contents of pill bottle can be tainted.
• Always consult your physician before taking any type of medication.

The proper storage of medication is important.

• Keep all medication out of the reach of children.
• Do not keep expired medication
• Store in medicine chest or secured area.
• Keep all medication at room temperature unless otherwise instructed by a doctor or pharmacist.

It is also helpful for you to write down a list of medications that you are taking, as well as what the medicine is for, and list allergies to medication and/or food. If you are taking vitamin supplements, herbal teas or other alternative medication, list this as well. Herbal formulas can alter or cause a physical problem when mixed with certain prescribed drugs. If you have a friend or family member that should be notified in case of an emergency, have their name, phone number, and address also listed on this piece of paper.  Attach this piece of paper to the refrigerator and carry a copy in your wallet or purse.  This way, if you are unable to communicate with the pre-hospital care providers, they can find this information about your medical history and any type of medication you might be taking. This will help the medical professionals deliver faster safer pre-hospital medical care.