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revised June 03, 2011

Arrow BulletUsing Medication Safely... If You Are a Senior

If you're a senior, there are additional reasons to pay careful attention whenever you use medications.


Reasons to Pay Attention When You Take Medication

1. You may require medications for more than one condition and be treated by more than one physician.
  • Take your medications and personal medication record to all appointments to help you keep all your physicians informed.
  • Use the same pharmacy for all prescriptions.
  • Discuss over-the-counter drugs with the same pharmacist to prevent unwanted or harmful interactions between drugs.
2. Your system may be more sensitive to the effects of medications due to the normal changes of aging. Drug effects may be stronger and last longer because the kidneys and liver are less efficient in clearing medication(s) from your system.
  • Be cautious when starting any new medication(s).
  • If you notice changes in the way medication(s) affect you, let your doctor know.
3. You may be at greater risk for injury due to falling during weak spells, dizziness, fatigue or confusion.
  • Report any such side effects to the doctor who prescribes your medication.
  • Decrease your risk for injury due to safety hazards around your home.
  • See Preventing falls
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If You Have Trouble...

If you have trouble hearing, reading or understanding instructions about your medication:
  • Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to go over the details clearly.
  • It's okay to say: "I need you to slow down and explain this again".
  • Or: "I need you to write this out for me in larger print".
If you have trouble opening child-proof medication containers:
  • Talk to your pharmacist about alternate containers.
  • If you use alternate containers for your medications, be extra cautious when children are present.
If you have trouble swallowing your medications:
  • Ask your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives, such as a liquid form.
If you have trouble remembering to take your medication or whether you have already taken it, develop a system to help you keep track.

Examples:
  • Make a chart with dates and times and check off each dose as you take it.
  • Use a "dosette", a small plastic container available in most pharmacies. A dosette has a little section for each time of the day and /or days of the week that you fill each morning or at the beginning of each week. Extra care is needed because medications are out of their original containers.
If you're finding it's becoming difficult to keep track of your medications, don't be embarrassed - be safe. Tell your doctor and ask a family member or friend to help you.

Call Peel Public Health to speak to a Public Health Nurse.
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Revised: June 03, 2011

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