Medicines can help us feel better and stay healthy. However, medicines must be taken the right way to work safely.
As we get older, medication safety can become even more important. Some people take several medicines each day. In addition, they may take vitamins, supplements, or over-the-counter medicine.
Because of this, it can become hard to remember what to take and when to take it.
The good news is that simple habits can make medication use safer. Keeping a list, asking questions, and checking your medicines regularly can all help.
Most importantly, you have the right to understand every medicine you take.
Why Medication Safety Matters
Medicines affect the body in different ways. Therefore, taking the wrong medicine or the wrong amount can cause problems.
For example, some medicines may not work well together. Other medicines may cause side effects such as dizziness, weakness, or confusion.
In addition, forgetting a dose or taking an extra dose by mistake can sometimes be harmful.
That is why medication safety matters.
A few small steps can help you stay organized, informed, and in control of your health.
Keep an Updated Medication List
First, make a list of everything you take.
Include prescription medicines. Also include over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
For each medicine, write down the name, amount, and when you take it.
Then, bring your list to medical appointments.
You can also share the list with your pharmacist. This can help your healthcare team understand everything you are taking.
Most importantly, update the list whenever something changes.
Take Medicine as Directed
Always follow the directions given by your healthcare professional.
Take the correct amount at the correct time. In addition, follow any directions about taking the medicine with food or water.
If you do not understand the instructions, ask.
There are no silly questions when it comes to medication safety.
Also, do not change the amount you take because you feel better or worse unless a healthcare professional tells you to do so.
Use One Pharmacy When Possible
Using the same pharmacy can make medication safety easier.
Your pharmacist can keep a record of your medicines. As a result, they may be able to notice possible medication interactions or other concerns.
Your pharmacist can also answer questions.
For example, you can ask about side effects, missed doses, or how a medicine should be taken.
Therefore, think of your pharmacist as an important member of your healthcare team.
Use Reminders
It can be easy to forget whether you took a medicine.
A pill organizer may help. In addition, you can use a written schedule, calendar, phone alarm, or another reminder system.
Choose a method that works for you.
However, if you are still having trouble keeping track of your medicine, tell someone you trust.
A caregiver, family member, doctor, nurse, or pharmacist may be able to help.
Never Share Medication
Never take medicine that was prescribed for another person.
Likewise, never give your prescription medicine to someone else.
Even if two people have similar symptoms, they may need different treatment.
Therefore, medicines should only be used by the person they were prescribed for.
Check Expiration Dates
Medicines can expire.
Because of this, check your medicine cabinet from time to time. Look for medicines that are old or no longer needed.
However, do not simply throw every unused medicine in the trash or flush it down the toilet.
Instead, ask your pharmacist about safe medication disposal. You can also ask about local medication take-back programs.
Know the Possible Side Effects
Before taking a medicine, ask about possible side effects.
Some side effects may be mild. Others may need medical attention.
For example, watch for new dizziness, confusion, unusual sleepiness, weakness, swelling, rashes, or changes in how you feel.
If something does not seem right, contact your doctor, pharmacist, or another appropriate healthcare professional.
If you believe you are having a medical emergency, seek emergency help right away.
Questions You Can Ask
You have the right to understand your medications.
Therefore, consider asking:
- Why am I taking this medicine?
- How much should I take?
- When should I take it?
- Should I take it with food?
- What side effects should I watch for?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- Can I take it with my other medicines?
- Can I take vitamins or supplements with it?
- How should I store it?
- Do I still need to take it?
If you forget the answer, ask again.
Your health matters more than feeling embarrassed about asking a question.
Caregivers Can Help Too
Family members and caregivers can play an important role in medication safety.
For example, they can help organize medications. They can also help keep medication lists updated and attend medical appointments.
However, support should not take away a person’s independence when they can safely manage their own care.
Instead, offer help where it is needed.
Most importantly, listen.
A calm reminder is often more helpful than criticism.
Review Your Medicines Regularly
Your health can change over time. Therefore, your medications may change too.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines regularly.
During the review, discuss prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements.
Also, tell them if another healthcare professional prescribed something new.
This gives your healthcare team a better picture of your care.
You Have a Voice in Your Healthcare
Medication safety is not only about remembering pills.
It is also about understanding your care.
Ask questions. Speak up when something does not feel right. Keep your healthcare team informed. In addition, ask for help when managing medications becomes difficult.
You do not have to understand everything on your own.
Your health matters.
Your safety matters.
Small steps can make a big difference.
