Seniors and Medications

 

Here are some facts

Medications are more than the drugs a doctor prescribes. They include over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and minerals, and herbal remedies.


Medications are a not to be shared - what helps one person may harm another.

Use your medications as directed. If you miss a dose, talk to your doctor or, pharmacist.

Patients’ records are confidential and are not shared among pharmacies. If you go to several pharmacies to get your prescriptions filled, your record at each pharmacy will be incomplete.

Here are some suggestions

Keep an up-to-date record of medications, allergies illnesses, and any other information related to your health as a reference guide when you meet with your doctors and pharmacist.

Learn the name and purpose of each medication you are taking and review them with your pharmacist.

Be clear on how and when to take medications. Medications affect each person differently.

Be sure to complete antibiotic prescriptions-don't stop when your symptoms first improve.

Get your prescriptions filled at one pharmacy only. Your pharmacist keeps an up-to-date record of all the medications you are taking.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist immediately if you experience new or unexpected side effects from any of your medications.

Store medications in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight unless otherwise directed. Keep medications out of reach of children.

Do not transfer or mix medications into other containers. If you wish to arrange medications into a pill organizer, please ask your pharmacist for advice.

Ask questions - your doctor and pharmacist are there to assist you!

Keep and up-to-date personal medications record.

Go to one pharmacy only.

Know how and when to take your medications.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about any side effects from your medications.

Store your medications in a cool, dry place and out of reach of children.

Do not share your medications.

Do not transfer or mix your medications into other containers.

Ask questions - talk to your doctor and pharmacist.

 

Courtesy of Ontario Pharmacists’ Association - www.opatoday.com/public/seniors.asp

17th Sept 2001

Ontario Seniors infoFile - www.gov.on.ca/mczcr/seniors