Improper Use of Prescription Medication on the Rise

Many older adults take their medicines as prescribed, but lately there has been a rise in the number of adults who are using their medicines improperly, including for non-medical reasons. Recent reports show increased hospitalizations and visits to emergency rooms by older adults involving improper use of prescription and illicit drugs.

As people age, trouble with vision or memory can make it hard to use medications correctly. Taking a variety of medications at different times of the day can be confusing and may result in the accidental abuse of medication. If your doctor prescribes a medication, try to find out as much as possible, including how to take the medicine properly. Ask the following questions and write down the answers before leaving the doctor’s office.

To understand the reasons for taking a medication ask:

• What is the name of the condition this medicine will treat?
• What is the name of the medicine?
• How does it treat my condition?
• What is the name of its active ingredient?
• Did you check that it doesn’t contain anything I’m allergic to?
• How long will it take to work?
• How should I store the medication?
• Can the pharmacist substitute a less expensive, generic form of the medicine?

To understand how to take medications ask:

• Should I take the medicine as needed or on a schedule?
• Should I take the medicine at a certain time of day?
• What is the suggested dosage each time I take the medicine?
• Should the medicine be taken with food?
• May I drink alcohol while on this medication?
• For how long will I have to take this medicine?

To understand what to expect when taking the medication ask:

• How will I feel once I start taking this medicine?
• How will I know if this medicine is working?
• If I forget to take it, what should I do?
• What side effects might I expect? Should I report them?
• Can this medicine interact with other prescription and over-the-counter medicines, including herbal and dietary supplements, which I currently take?

Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse about the right way to take any medicine before use. Ask questions if you don’t understand the meaning of a word, or when instructions are vague.

Be prepared in case of accidental poisoning involving medications or other substances. Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 to speak with a poison expert at the poison center serving your area. The service is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and calls are always confidential. Interpreter services are also available in 160 languages. Keep the number programmed in your home phone and mobile device.

MediNurse, St. Louis’ premier provider of private duty nursing, offers care services that are customized to the individual needs and expectations of the client, patient and loved ones to ensure the best care possible. For more information, call us at 314-781-2800 or visit www.medinurse.com.