WHAT IS MEDICATION MANAGEMENT?
As people grow older, they are more likely to develop long-term health conditions that require taking multiple medications. This means they are more likely to take multiple over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or supplements.
Read this pamphlet if you or someone you care for is older and takes medications. The information here can help avoid overmedication and harmful drug reactions.
WHAT ARE ISSUES WITH MANAGING MEDICATIONS AS WE AGE?
- As people age, they are more likely to be prescribed more than one kind of prescription medication. This places older adults at higher risk of overtreatment, potential drug interactions, and harmful side effects.
- It is estimated that 40% of older Canadians are currently taking one inappropriate medication, while 12% are taking multiple inappropriate medications.
- Our bodies change as we age. These changes can alter the way medications work in our bodies. This means the same dose can become too strong, or not even indicated, over time.
- Many older Canadians face declining eyesight, grip strength, mobility and memory – all of which can affect safe medication use.
- Financial concerns may prevent older adults from accessing medically necessary and appropriate medications.
TYPES OF MEDICATIONS
Not all medications are the same. There are three basic types:
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS
These are prescribed by a doctor or nurse practitioner and filled at a pharmacy. Prescription medications can be either “generic” or “brand name.”
OVER-THE-COUNTER (OTC) MEDICATIONS
These are sold without a prescription. They include Aspirin®, laxatives, cough & cold medicines, pain relievers, sleeping aids, and others.
COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE HEALTH PRODUCTS
These may include:
- Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
- Herbal and Plant-Based Remedies
- Traditional Medicines like Traditional Chinese Medicines or Ayurvedic (Indian) Medicines
- Omega-3 and Essential Fatty Acids
- Probiotics
- Homeopathic Medicines
STRATEGIES TO BETTER MANAGE YOUR MEDICATIONS
Read the Prescription Label
Check the prescription label and look in the bottle to make sure the pharmacist has given you the right amount and the right dose. Ask your pharmacist for large print labels on your medications if you have vision problems. Your pharmacist may be able to print labels in your language of choice, so ask them about this as well.
Follow Instructions
Take your medications exactly as directed by your health care providers. Be sure you understand how, when, and for how long you should take these medications.
Ask Before Taking an OTC or a Non-Prescription Health Product
OTC drugs and supplements may interact with your prescription medications, or contain substances that could cause other problems. Always check with your health care provider or pharmacist before taking any new OTC drug or supplement.
Make a List
Make a list of all the medications you take. Include the names, their doses, and how often you take them. Include all OTC medications, vitamins, supplements, and alternative health products. Be sure to update this list every time anything changes and share it with all of your health care providers and caregivers. Bring your updated medication list or medications with you to your appointments. This can allow your health care providers to know exactly what you are taking.
Ask Questions
Ask the following questions to your health care provider or pharmacist about any medications they suggest you take:
- Will it work safely with other medicines I am taking?
- What is the purpose of the drug?
- When and how should I take this new drug?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- What side effects or warning signs should I watch for?
MEDICATION MANAGEMENT TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS
If you are caring for an older adult that needs help managing their medications, consider the following tips:
- To minimize treatment interruptions, you can order prescriptions and schedule regular medication refills at your pharmacy, or arrange to get them delivered to you.
- Beware of interactions. Some medications can interact with other medications, food, alcohol and cause dangerous side effects. It’s important to share the complete medication list of the person you are caring for with all of their health care providers.
- Pay attention to side effects. If you notice any changes in how the person you are caring for is feeling, thinking or behaving, tell the prescribing health care provider or pharmacist right away. Side effects can be a sign that a serious reaction to a drug or combination of drugs may be occurring, and should not be ignored.
- Make sure that no one else takes your family member’s medication. All medications should be stored safely and kept away from children and older adults with serious memory problems.
- In addition to keeping all medications in a safe place, check if any medications may need to be refrigerated as well.
- Ask questions. Your loved one’s pharmacist or health care provider can provide additional helpful tips on how to manage medications for older adults.
MAKE A LIST OF CURRENT MEDICATIONS
Use this chart to make a list of any medications you are currently taking. Bring this chart with you to appointments to discuss and review with your health care provider.
Modified: 2018-12-14
We would like to thank the following for their support of our Education Resources to Support Healthy Ageing Initiative
- Mon Sheong Foundation and the Ben and Hilda Katz Foundation have generously provided funding to support printing and translation of our Education Resources to Support Healthy Ageing.
- The Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility supported this initiative with funding through its Seniors Community Grant Program.