Medications - A Guide to Safe and Effective Use In The Senior Population Group

1. Medications - A Guide to Safe and Effective Use In The Senior Population Group Mark Gruenhagen R.Ph., CSPI Minnesota Poison Control System

2. Today�s Goal Provide you with information that will enable you to use over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications safely and effectively. Introduce you to the Poison Center

3. Topics of Discussion Alternatives to medication use. Buying and taking nonprescription (OTC) medications. Things to keep in mind when a medicine is prescribed for the first time. Guidelines for safe use of prescription medications.

4. Topics of Discussion How to store medication properly. Common reasons why medicines don�t work. The importance of getting involved in decision making Patient and medication records. Sources of drug information

5. Statistics for older adults (>65 YO) Take more medications � chronic conditions Use 30% of all medications prescribed Purchase 40% of all over-the counter medications Take between 2-7 prescription medications daily 40% of all adverse drug reactions reported.

6. Definitions of Medication (Medicine) An agent such as a drug, used to treat disease or injury Come in a variety of forms Tablet/capsules Creams/lotions Patches Liquids Suppositories

7. Tips on safe OTC use Select OTC products that will treat only the symptoms you have Take product EXACTLY as stated on label Use caution in taking more than one OTC product OTC products are only to be used for temporary symptoms Consult pharmacist, doctor or poison center if questions about use, side effects or interactions

8. Safe Use of OTC medications begins and ends with reading the label The label will tell you all of the following� Product name and ingredients. Any recent significant product changes. �Indications� - What the medicine is for. �Usual Dosage� - Directions for use.

9. Safe Use of OTC medications begins and ends with reading the label �Warnings� - Possible side effects; When to stop taking the medicine; When to see a doctor. �Exp. Date� - When to throw it out. A description of tamper-resistant features to check before you buy the product.

13. Brand name vs generic medications Newer isn�t always better. Antibiotics-UTI or respiratory As good as brand. Major differences-cost Minor differences-color Non-formulary medications may work as well. Some prescription medications are now OTC. Zantac, Pepcid

14. Less expensive medication alternatives Request samples Change lifestyle Exercise to decrease hypertension Diet Ask for cheaper medication. Special discounts for drug manufacturers www.together-rx.com www.pfizerforliving.com. www.lillyanswers.com www.aarppharmacy.com

15. When medicine is being prescribed for the first time... Inform doctor about any other medication you are taking currently. Tell doctor or pharmacist about any allergies or personal medical conditions you might have. Be sure you fully understand all instructions before leaving the doctor�s office or pharmacy.

16. When medicine is being prescribed for the first time... Write down instructions for future reference. Tell doctor any problems you foresee with the new medicine or with directions for use. Know what the goal is. Hypertension < 120/80

17. Safe use of prescription medication Never take any medicine that has been prescribed for a friend or relative. Take medications as prescribed, either until used up or discontinue as instructed. Do not take more medicine than prescribed. Take medication at the proper time.

18. Safe use of prescription medication Avoid agents - either food, alcohol, other drugs - that may decrease effectiveness or increase side effects. Recognize side effects and know what to do if they occur. Understand indications and expectations for the prescribed agents Periodically review medications Get prescription refilled in advance

19. Medication Interactions Drug-Drug Sedative-antihistamine Anticoagulant- aspirin,NSAIDS Drug-Herbals. Anticoagulant-ginkgo Drug-Condition Sedative/hypnotics-sleep apnea Nasal decongestants-hypertension Drug-Food Statins-grapefruit juice

20. How to store medication properly Store medicines in a cool, dry place that is away from bright light. When possible keep medicine in the original container. Throw away medication that is past the expiration date. Never mix different medications in same container Discard medications that aren�t being used, can�t read label or if outdated.

21. How to store medication properly Don�t store medications in refrigerator unless specifically instructed to do so. If young children are present use child-resistant closures (CRCs) or take other reasonable precautions. Replace CRCs carefully. When traveling be aware of storage problem potential

22. How to store and use medications properly with grandchildren present 36% of exposures reported are related to grandparent medications - USCPSC If visiting, keep medications in purses, toiletry bags and suitcases Be careful of weekly pill minders Avoid taking own medication in front of child � like to mimic Place medications out of reach of children If administering medication to child � read label

23. When medicines don�t work it may be due to... Not following the correct dosage schedule Interactions with certain foods or beverages Interactions with other medicines Attempting to treat yourself with OTC remedy when problem requires professional medical attention

24. When medicines don�t work it may be due to... Complication which demand further medical attention Misdiagnosis

25. Medication Alternatives Change diet or fluid intake. Exercise Change lifestyle Example: Constipation when taking opiate pain medications

26. The importance of getting involved in treatment You�ll feel better about following the prescribed treatment If problems arise from medication or the prescribed schedule changes may be possible If target symptoms continue, or if there are any new symptoms or unusual side effects, a change in treatment may be necessary.

27. Ask your pharmacist about patient records Pharmacists now keep these records for you. Try to stay with one pharmacy. Keep track of all the medicines you are currently taking, as well as allergies and current medical conditions. This is helpful if you are being prescribed medicines by more than one doctor.

28. Keep a record of the medicines you take Such record keeping can help you use medicines properly and safely. This is useful if you are particularly ill, taking several different medications or taking medications chronically.

29. Who to call if you have a question about your medication The prescribing physician or your clinic A pharmacist The poison center

30. In summary... Understand what drugs you are taking and why. Understand endpoints of therapy Take prescribed medications only as directed. Know who to go to if you have questions about drug therapy or results are not satisfactory. Be involved in your drug therapy Store medications properly